June 16,2009 … Minister of Lands, Housing & The Environment Hilson Baptiste has called on financial to help protect our food security with the approval of more loans for micro –financing.
Baptiste was speaking at the Micro –Financing of Agriculture & Agro –Industry seminar held at the Point Wharf, Tuesday.
The seminar, which attracted a cross –section of financiers, fisher-folks, farmers and agro-processors ended on a high note with the parties having a clearer understanding of the criteria that they should follow when applying for financing to start –up agricultural business.
“We are at a crossroads in our agricultural development. Agriculture today needs capital injection from the private sectors, such as the financial sectors (banks) to encourage young people, “said Baptiste the expanding all farmers financially is also very crucial.
He said to develop an acre of land for agriculture requires about $10,000 which is the minimum.
Baptiste noted that in an effort to protect our food security and reduce our food import bills the time is now to increase, improve and level the playing field for agriculture financially.
“Every process of food production requires capital. The government will continue to make the lands available for agriculture.”
JR. Minister Chanlah Codrington who was also at the seminar, field questions from a number of the stakeholders present. He stated, that the due to the recession farmers are finding it difficult to cope and requires all the help that is available to them.
Deputy Director of Agriculture Jedidiah Maxime described the seminar as timely, “ the issue of financing is one of critical component of any business establishment…Agriculture is business –whether one is engaged in private production, agro-processing or fishing.”
General Manager of the Antigua & Barbuda Development Bank Don Charles spoke to the issue of qualifications and requirement for start-up business.
In the meanwhile, Executive Director of the National Development Foundation (NDF), Paul Bacchus during his presentation outlined the management of agricultural enterprises in Antigua & Barbuda, while analyzing the agro-processing industry.
Jermone Crump gave an overview of a young’s farmer’s experience.
