Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors, and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) President, Allister Alexander.
Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors, and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) President, Allister Alexander remains optimistic that 2021 will be a “very bountiful” one for crop farmers.
Though he made this prediction, he said that on the flipside, this Christmas period will be challenging for vendors and crop farmers alike. Alexander said this will be likely, as several of the local fruits and vegetables which were previously available were destroyed by recent heavy rains.
“The rains are always good but not for present crops. The rains will wash out crops and these rains have done that, but these rains will be preparing the ground – the moisture that needs to be in the earth for the year to come. I am predicting that because of the weather we have had, that next year is going to be a bountiful one.”
Alternatively he added, “It is going to be a challenge for local produce. Christmas, it will obviously be a challenge because most of the crops are washed out but God has a way of leaving some, so there will be some and we are hoping that there will be a lot more than even anticipated. We are hoping that – but whatever – we are going to find produce to bring here to the Super Outdoor Market.”
Like Alexander, BARVEN’s Vice President, Erskine Forde said the group will do their best to ensure individuals visiting the market’s Spring Garden location will have an array of produce to select from.
“We do our best to make sure that everybody coming down here – they get a good experience and we believe that we will have a great and wonderful Christmas.”