The Free National Movement recognises the
considerable benefit to be derived by Bahamians from the well-planned and well-regulated development of the agricultural sector of The Bahamas. Considerable success is already being achieved in creating linkages between this sector and the local retail sector, the hotel and restaurant industry, and cruise ships calling at Bahamian ports. The Free National Movement is committed to strengthening programmes in the agricultural sector to maximise the benefits to Bahamians and to the local economy.
The FNM in its second term will:
Expand agricultural extension services.
Support the establishment of agri-processing plants, such as the FAO sponsored plant under development in Long Island.
Improve slaughter and cold storage facilities.
Encourage and facilitate the development of refrigerated shipping in support of the development of processing plants throughout The Bahamas. |
Continue to maintain the National Swine Breeding Centre and the supply of breeding stock to small pig farmers on concessionary terms.
Upgrade the Abbatoir and Veterinary Units.
Support the establishment of an inter-island freight boat system, fully equipped to facilitate the effective transportation of Bahamian grown produce.
Foster the establishment of Farming Associations and Cooperatives.
Promote farming as a viable business undertaking for young people.
Establish a Farmers Credit Programme to improve and facilitate access to credit, particularly for small and medium size farmers.
Establish a Hurricane and Disaster Insurance Fund to assist farmers suffering extensive loss of farm crops, livestock or in frastructure, as a result of natural disasters.
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