There is again a call for the local agricultural and manufacturing sectors to work closer together to meet the food demands and needs of Barbadians.
It has come from Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul, in a recent interview with The Barbados Advocate, as he suggested that Government’s newly imposed National Social Responsibility Levy which will put a two per cent tax on imported goods, can be the driving force behind that increased collaboration. He said by manufacturing more basic food products locally, they can reduce the cost to Barbadians.
However, Paul is adamant that if the agricultural sector is to truly flourish and there are to be greater synergies between that sector and local manufacturers, then investments are needed.
“I think even our present economic situation should send the message to Barbadians that we need our producers to do more. We are just talking a good game sometimes but we are not actually doing, we are not putting our money where our mouth is so to speak. There are key local investors in this country that have an opportunity to make a difference in terms of encouraging local producers to do more in terms of the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, but they are not taking advantage of it,” Paul lamented.
The agriculturist is of the firm belief that the local business community has a duty to do more to help advance agriculture and to assist the country in achieving food security. But he charged that it would appear that they are more willing to sit back and allow foreign investors to provide the money so that they are not exposed to any risks.
“We have the attitude that someone from outside can come and do it for us, or we encourage Government to do it. This is the attitude that we have and I am saying that by simply rearranging the way we do business, simply enhancing our relationships we have with each other that we can automatically create avenues for products that can be sold both locally and abroad,” he stated.
He is also reiterating that it is essential that commercial banks and other financial institutions in this country offer greater support to the agricultural sector, suggesting that if the banks embrace the agricultural sector, it could help potential investors recognise and appreciate the sector’s worth and encourage them to get involved as well. (JRT)
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