Farmers eye new markets amid climate, import pressures

As farmers contend with climate extremes and a surge in cheap imports, the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) is to present fresh market opportunities for farmers at a pivotal meeting this Saturday, aiming to bolster both immediate hurricane preparedness and long-term commercial resilience, BAS chief executive James Paul has told Barbados TODAY.

Saturday’s session will focus on both short-term hurricane preparedness and long-term commercial resilience, he said. The plans include helping farmers break into new markets—a critical move as producers, especially in the pork industry, struggle to remain competitive.

“We have identified some new business opportunities,” Paul said. “That’s something we’ll be dealing with at the meeting.”

He declined to specify details but hinted that fresh commercial avenues could offer farmers a way to strengthen their foothold in the local food economy.

The upcoming meeting comes at a time of rising tension in the agriculture sector, particularly among local pork producers. Recently, farmers have raised the alarm about the influx of imported frozen pork, which they say is dominating supermarket shelves and leaving them with unsold livestock and mounting losses.

Despite imposing one of the highest tariffs in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), many producers say they are being squeezed out of their own market.

Amid these challenges, Paul’s comments suggest a possible lifeline for farmers to reclaim lost ground.

The meeting will also equip farmers with practical strategies for protecting crops and livestock during the hurricane season.

Paul said agriculture is still recovering from last year’s punishing heat, a period he described as a “trying time” for farmers.

“We want to prepare our farmers better . . . whether that’s improving animal housing to withstand winds or simply knowing what to store or secure before a storm,” he explained.

Veterinary officials and agricultural input suppliers are also expected to attend the session, offering technical guidance and ensuring that lines of communication remain open during adverse weather.

Pressed on the BAS’s complaints about limited collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Paul did not address specific past concerns but said the society remains focused on moving forward.

“The ministry will do what it has to do,” he said. “But as a private sector organisation, we have to take responsibility and encourage farmers to do what they need to do at the same time.

“Once there is consultation with the farming community, our job is to try to see how we can make it work.” (SM)