No further word yet on a water rate adjustment for farmers

Government has already met with farmers who have expressed concern over a recent hike in water rates.

This was revealed by chief executive officer (CEO) of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) James Paul, who said a final decision regarding whether the new rates would be adjusted had not yet been made.

Some farmers who were accustomed to paying $.60 cents per cubic meter had contended that the new rate of $1.80 per cubic meter, which took effect from May, would effectively force them out of business.

After they voiced their concerns, Prime Minister Mia Mottley promised to meet with them.

Paul said while that meeting had taken place it was left to be seen what would happen.

“It is being discussed at the moment but I don’t know if there is any final decision as far as that is concerned. I know there was a meeting with the Prime Minister but in terms of any final decision I don’t know of any final decision that has been made as far as that is concerned,” he told Barbados TODAY.

“What has happened is that the terms of the new water rate for farmers is $1.80 per cubic meter plus .90 cents for the garbage tax. I know that there were certain discussions pertaining to the farmers who are at Springhall, St Lucy and also Gibbons Boggs, Christ Church, in terms of the fact that in their cases they were paying a rate of around $.66 cents, so they are now asking the question whether or not they will have to face an increased water rate.

“Remember there were some farmers who were paying way above that rate, which in some cases was over $4 and $5 a cubic meter, so for them there would be benefits in the reduction of the water rate. But there is a group of farmers who have to pay increased water rates so I guess those who will have to pay the increased water rates there will be a concern because they will now have to shell out more money for water while other farmers who are going to pay reduced water rates will be happy with those savings,” the CEO added.

However, the BAS head said there had been no intervention by Government in relation to increased feed prices and poultry farmers continued to be significantly affected.

“Feed prices are what they are. We are hoping that we would see a reduction in corn and soya but so far the prices are still very much up in the air and there have been no reductions in those prices. We are hoping of course that once the price of inputs for feed begin to reduce we will see lower prices for feed but as it stands right now, we have not seen any lowered prices for feed,” Paul said.

Efforts to reach Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Indar Weir for comment proved unsuccessful up to the time of publication. (RB)