Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment Hilson Baptiste, says the stage has been set for local farmers to tap into the tourism market.

The minister suggested however that, while the opportunity is ripe, supply side of the market is very critical, which entails, volume, consistency, quality and a price point.

He argued that while the farmer might not be able to do it alone, this was an ideal point in which farmers in the region can collaborate and link with others in the industry.

He noted that "If we supply those demands for the tourism industry, the Caribbean can become self-sufficient in many regards. But, it requires some innovation, some new thinking and this is where we are going,” Baptiste says.