Barbados with Support of FAO Hosts Inception Workshop for Agricultural Digital Crop Management Project

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),  hosted an inception workshop on December 2, 2024, for the project "Enhancing Agricultural Production through more Precise and Efficient Digital Crop Management Systems". The workshop, held at the Ministry's conference room in Graeme Hall, Christ Church, was attended by 40 participants, including farmers, input suppliers, ministry officials, and staff.

The purpose of the inception workshop was to present the goals of the project to key stakeholders and partners, discuss its implementation framework, and define the roles and responsibilities of various partners to ensure effective management. The discussions focused on fostering ownership, support, and long-term commitment to the project's outputs and 

addressing key challenges in Barbados' Agricultural Sector.

Providing farmers and extension personnel with the necessary tools, guidelines, and information systems to increase precision and make informed decisions regarding the timing, quantity, and type of agricultural inputs can significantly enhance crop nutrition and pest & disease management. With these resources, farmers can optimize plant growth, protect the environment, improve yields, and reduce costs. Furthermore, precision in the use of  inputs ensures food safety by minimizing agrochemical residues in fruits and vegetables.

The new project aims to tackle these challenges by strengthening the capacity of farmers and extension services through the introduction of digital tools to improve crop nutrition and  pest & disease management systems. This decision support system will provide data to aid critical crop management decisions, offering precise recommendations on inputs use such as application rates, timing, and safety intervals, along with other essential guidelines. The goals are to enhance efficiency in the use of nutrients for crops, pest control, and minimize food safety risks.

Mr Juan Cheaz Peláez, FAOR for Barbados highlighted, "Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Barbados, which experiences climate-related challenges require creative digital technologies to enhance resource efficiency, lower expenses, and boost production".

Mr Bret Taylor, Senior Agricultural Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture stated that the ministry is looking to enhance productivity by looking at protective structures, "protective agriculture allows us to enhance production by creating controlled environments. High-value crops like tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, and herbs are being prioritized under this system".

A key feature of the project will be the emphasis on training farmers and extension officers in integrated crop management. This holistic approach will complement the use of digital tools, fostering sustainable agricultural practices that improve both productivity and environmental stewardship. The inception workshop represents a pivotal first step toward enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production in Barbados. By leveraging the project's innovative approach, farmers are expected to gain access to tools that enable informed, data-driven decisions benefiting both the environment and the economy.

Melvin Medina Navarro, Lead Technical Officer for the project, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential to transform agricultural practices in Barbados through the collaboration.