Farmers urged to speak up on theft, demand action

Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) CEO James Paul is urging farmers to stop suffering in silence and demand meaningful action to combat praedial larceny, which continues to wreak havoc on the agricultural sector.

Speaking during Thursday’s Praedial Larceny Farmers’ Forum at Kensington Oval, Paul said: “I want the farmers to speak up because we need solutions. People are not going to continue in agriculture if they feel that government is not doing enough to protect them.”

He further called for proper implementation of existing legislation to help farmers tackle the ongoing issue.

Paul said the country could not continue to speak of food security while failing to address the theft of produce and livestock. He also criticised attitudes that downplay the seriousness of farm theft.

The forum also featured addresses from police representatives, the Ministry of Agriculture, and private security firm Star Security.

The ministry discussed existing legislation and its phased implementation, while police outlined enforcement strategies and encouraged closer collaboration with farmers. Star Security shared affordable surveillance solutions for vulnerable rural areas.

Farmers and other stakeholders in attendance voiced their concerns, with many agreeing that enforcement and accountability remain major gaps in the fight against praedial larceny.