Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon Lawrence S ‘Larry’ Cartwright commends Long Islanders on the success of their agri-business expo. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)

LONG ISLAND, Bahamas -- Long Islanders showed off their agricultural competence last weekend during the second in a series of Family Island agri-business expos sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.  

The first was held in Eleuthera’s Bay Front Park, Governor’s Harbour, earlier this month. The next will be in Exuma beginning February 19. These expos are a partnership between the Government and stakeholders - producers, buyers and educators.  

“It demonstrates the seriousness of the people of Long Island in joining my Ministry in promoting, encouraging and stimulating the agri-business sector toward enhancing food supply and security within The Bahamas,” said Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon Lawrence S ‘Larry’ Cartwright. He is the Member of Parliament for Long Island and the Ragged Islands.  

Under the central theme, ‘Progressing Toward Food Security’, the agricultural and fisheries sectors of Long Island for three days showed off their products in the categories of ornamental, vegetable, root crops, fruits, poultry, marine resources, and livestock.  

Native Long Island chickens were on exhibit during the agri-business expo. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)

A National Expo use to be held each year at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre in New Providence; but, based on the interest, demand and request from the Family Islands, the vision was expanded and the focus refined, Mr Cartwright explained.  

“In realizing the expanded vision, we called upon farmers, administrators, teachers, consumers, buyers, sellers, fishermen and producers throughout The Bahamas to plan and organize island-based expos,” said Mr Cartwright.  

They have the support of the Government and funds are allocated in the Ministry’s current budget to supply seed money for the expos.  

“Food security is a concern throughout the world,” noted Mr Cartwright. “Many factors are working against the adequate production and supply of food.  

The legendary Count Bernadino was on hand to entertain patrons at the Long Island agri-business expo. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)

“It has been confirmed that the production and supply of food which we might have been taking for granted, are no longer as certain as they once were.  

  “Financial and climatic shocks have impacted food security. The rising price of fuel, the increased and high price of food and the financial meltdown characterize this experience. More frequent drought and unpredictable storms have also been part of the experience.  

“We have therefore made a determination to progress toward food security by encouraging increased local production in the areas of vegetable, root crops, fruits, poultry, marine resources and livestock.”  

His Ministry is also mandated to address issues that adversely impact agricultural and marine resources. In that regard, Marine Protected Areas have been created and seasons for the harvesting of lobster, grouper and stone crab closed to ensure their adequacy and sustainability.  

A rapid assessment of the agricultural and fisheries sector is being undertaken to respond to the needs for increased food security, with the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Mr Cartwright said.  

The Ministry’s Embryo Transplant Program, which produces top-notch herd should further strengthen the mutton market in Long Island. And there are plans to construct an abattoir in Long Island. 

Lion fish demonstrations were a hit at the Long Island agri-business expo last weekend. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)