The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is willing to establish an arrangement that would see fewer imported fruits and vegetables on supermarket shelves.However, according to Minister of Business Development Kerrie Symmonds, farmers would have to demonstrate that they are able to supply local demand and guarantee there will be no shortages.He was responding to a call from chief executive officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) James Paul that the importation of cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons, and carrots be banned since farmers had the capacity to satisfy local demand for those fruits and vegetables.He also suggested that the Department of Commerce work closely with the BAS before food import licences are granted.In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Symmonds explained that because of international treaty obligations Barbados could not outright ban the importation of produce.However, he said a special arrangement could be set up to give local farmers some measure of protection.
