A Bahamian farm has welcomed the educational efforts of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), while calling for upgrades to the antiquated mailboat system on which inter-island produce sales rely.
Chavara Roker-Eneas, president of Andros-based Chiccharney Farms, stated that the farm had entered a "mentorship program" with BAMSI for perfecting cultivation of specific crops and was optimistic about closer cooperation between local farmers and BAMSI in the near future.
"We look forward to working with the government to ensure that the BAMSI project is a success," said Roker-Eneas, adding that standardized growing programs introduced by BAMSI could dramatically cut down on the country's dependency on imports by increasing local crop yields and providing greater quality consistency.
However, Roker-Eneas hoped that BAMSI's launch would lead to an overhaul in the country's shipping process, stating that the current system leaves much to be desired.
"With the government moving forward to implement the BAMSI project...there should be some upgrades done to the mailboat system, because it's the only system that we use to transport stuff on a large scale from the Family Islands," stated Roker-Eneas.
Assistant Director of Agriculture Dr. Kenneth Richardson last week stated in an interview with Guardian Business that logistical issues with crop transport would require New Providence to remain an integral hub within the industry.
"I don't think there's anything wrong with setting up BAMSI there in North Andros," said Richardson. "That's ideal, but I think that some of the things that they are going to attempt to do there may best be done here because New Providence has farmers that have to be served, as well as the Family Islands."
The $20 million North Andros-based institute is currently scheduled to open in September.
Roker-Eneas also echoed comments made last week by a Ministry of Agriculture official that the country's looming value-added tax (VAT) could provide an unexpected benefit for the Bahamian agricultural sector.
"When they implement VAT, it will force a lot of persons to want to buy local [produce], especially if they have to pay more taxes on what they're purchasing in the store."
Chiccharney Farm has seen "tremendous" growth in the past nine months after working independently of the government's produce exchange, according to Roker-Eneas.
The farm launched a new retail program last September, which compiles boxes of seasonal produce in $25, $50 and $100 packages, which are delivered directly to customers through the mail boat, free of charge.
"That's really sustained us on a daily basis...we're growing and looking at expanding and the possibility of us opening a storefront so that we would be able to have our clients come to us."
The farm began targeting local restaurants, hotels and supermarkets as demand for locally grown produce rose. Among Chiccharney's partners is the Melia Nassau Beach Hotel, which will be incorporated into the Baha Mar resort.
"They are more interested in buying local Bahamian produce," said Roker-Eneas, due to the longevity, freshness and quality of the produce.
"Bahamian farmers can grow at an even better quality than the [produce] that we import into this country...I know that it is viable for agriculture to succeed in this country, but it requires a lot of work and it appears that only a small percentage of persons are willing to work hard in the field of agriculture... It takes a lot of commitment."

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