BAS to target students to boost Agrofest numbers

The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) is planning to roll out a school programme aimed at increasing the level of participation among students at Agrofest and growing interest in agriculture overall.

This was one of the main takeaways during the launch of Agrofest 2024, themed Securing Our Roots Through Agriculture, at Radisson Aquatica Resort on Thursday.

President of the BAS’ Sheep and Goat Farmers Association Rommel Parris said the programme would target public and private primary and secondary schools across the island.

“What we’re looking at doing is getting the younger children involved. We’re going to start in the primary schools because we’ve already started in secondary schools over the years at Agrofest. So we’re going into the primary schools and trying to get those youngsters involved in agriculture,” he said, adding that the BAS was trying to secure sponsorship from the private sector to boost the programme and get assistance from farmers to get on board the initiative.

“We’re not only teaching children about agriculture but we’re trying to build a base and build a future for the BAS and agriculture and Barbados on the whole . . . . We’re going towards this notion where everybody has to be an accountant, doctor, lawyer or bank manager. We’ve got to start growing our own food . . . . If we don’t start getting youngsters involved in our agriculture now, we’re going to lose them.”

Parris said the BAS would also be partnering with the Barbados 4-H Foundation to help foster a love for farming among young people.

BAS President Henderson Williams said agriculture had evolved over the years and should no longer be characterised by a fork and a hoe. He said the youth would be interested in technological advancements such as drones and robotics that are being used in the sector.

During the launch, BAS Chief Executive Officer James Paul said 2023 was one of the best years, if not the record year, for the annual agricultural exhibition.

Earlier this year, he said more than 64 000 people patronised the three-day event held in Queen’s Park during the last weekend in February. He said the sale of online tickets played a key role in the level of patronage.

Paul, who said he was hoping the event would be even better received next year, added that tickets for the February 23-25, 2024 event would be available online from December 1.

He said patrons can look forward to a new reggae show being held on the first day of the exhibition.
(SZB)