IICA Barbados

25/06/2024

Pursuing Food Security for Barbados.

Food security for the nation is an ongoing concern for the government of Barbados, producers, consumers, development agencies and other stakeholders.

With other CARICOM governments committed to reducing the regional food import bill by 25% by 2025, there is increased impetus to collectively undertake efforts to enhance food security.

Over a series of posts, the IICA Delegation in Barbados will be exploring the subject, and highlight the perspectives on the subject from various persons in the industry and wider society.

08/03/2024

Food Production from an Alternate Perspective.

Virtual reality is a simulated 3D environment which creates an immersive experience allowing users to traverse and interact with their virtual surroundings in a way that mimics reality. The VR experience was one of the most popular attractions at the IICA booth which mainly captivated the younger audience.

Users gained an understanding of, and newfound appreciation for the role that pollinators play in the continuity of crop production through the Pollinator Park VR experience. Another simulation which kept users engaged was the Crop Craze VR experience which highlighted various aspects of the operations of a farm, from cultivation to exportation.

This technology is a great advancement which allows users, specifically younger users, to appreciate the role of agriculture to society.

12/02/2024

Food Safety & Fish Quality Training.

The IICA Delegation, in collaboration with the Barbados Fisheries Division, coordinated a food safety and fish quality training workshop at the Pile Bay Landing Facility. This training was facilitated by Dr. Kelly Brathwaite who provided a thorough breakdown of the importance of maintaining proper sanitary practices in the fishing industry.

During the 2-hour workshop, fisherfolk from the association remained engaged as they observed the different modes of contamination in fish. One eager fisherman demonstrated proper handwashing techniques to ensure cleanliness is maintained at all times at the landing site.

The IICA Representative, Mr. Allister Glean, discussed the collaboration between IICA and the Barbados Fisheries Division. He recognized the importance of the fishing industry as a staple to the Barbadian culture and its relevance to the country's tourism industry and GDP.

The Chief Fisheries Officer, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox emphasized the importance of training to the industry as they ensure that the quality of fish sold locally and exported remains at an acceptable standard.

The partnership will continue with the coordination of another food safety and fish quality exercise at the Weston Community Centre on Thursday 29th February 2024.

09/02/2024

Seeking Partners to Facilitate Access to Overseas Markets

Mr. Allister Glean, IICA Representative, Dr. Janet Lawrence, IICA Agricultural Health, Food Safety and Quality Specialist – Caribbean/11th EDF SPS Project Manager and Ms. Shontelle Sealy, Technical Assistant recently paid a visit to the International Food Science Center (IFSC).

The IFSC is an Export Barbados (BIDC) initiative which lends assistance to small scale manufacturers through access to micro leasing facilities and equipment to facilitate the manufacturing of sauces and condiments for local producers. In essence, the facility allows manufacturers to eliminate the hassle of manufacturing themselves while meeting export market requirements. With IICA's focus on supporting micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) to access overseas markets, it is hoped that the Institute can work with the Center and Export Barbados to provide opportunities to processors and exporters from Barbados.

The Delegation is appreciative of the support provided by Mr. Mark Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Export Barbados and the team in facilitating the visit.

04/12/2023

IICA recently facilitated a handover ceremony of items procured by the Institute to contribute to the establishment of the Barbados Innovation Centre for Agriculture (BICA). The establishment of an innovation centre is the brainchild of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, the Honourable Indar Weir. The BICA will be established at the Home Agriculture Station in Kirtons, St. Phillip. This innovative centre was established as a showpiece to stimulate interest in agriculture as well as highlight the value of technology to the growth of the sector. The Home Station will serve as a facility to foster the use of technology to ensure the future of agriculture and its digital transformations in the country.

The handover ceremony began with opening remarks from IICA representative, Mr. Allister Glean who provided insights into the commitment of IICA to supporting ongoing efforts by the Ministry to enhance food security in the country. Minister Weir shared his gratitude to the Institute for the provision of the items to support the initial set up. The items included drones, VR headsets, tablets, laptops, LEGO robot set and other digital devices which will assist in the digitalisation of the sector.

Sen. Hon. Dr. Chelston Brathwaite, “Brathwaite Green Machine” innovator, showcased his aquaponics system which provided a modernized and simple approach to household and community food security. The aquaponics system includes the cultivation of mainly green leafy plants, tilapia fish and bacteria within a portable water conservation system.

The handover ceremony also facilitated a graduation ceremony for recent graduates of a Drone Pilot Training which was held from June - July 2023 as well as the graduates of a 2022 Home Gardening Workshop completed by members of the St. Phillip South and St. Michael North-East Constituencies.

23/10/2023