NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources & Family Island Affairs launched an initiative for farmers that would encourage the use of climate-smart technology to boost food security in the country. Minister, the Hon. Clay Sweeting made the announcement during a press conference, October 27, 2022 at the Ministry’s headquarters  on East Bay Street. He said the pilot program will further incentivize farmers and food producers with the use of climate smart technology and will assist The Bahamas in significantly boosting food production systems.

“Climate smart technology has been utilized in countries around the world for many years,”said Mr. Sweeting. “External pressures, such as drought, inflation, diseases, pestilence, the pandemic and now wars, have brought the use of technology to the forefront of agriculture. Farmers are discovering new and innovative ways to boost their efforts such as climate smart seeds and other planting materials that can thrive under extreme conditions, solar and wind energy technologies and hydroponics that increase efficiency in food production. By using technology, we can increase our resilience against climate change and increase our capacity in our domestic food production.”

In October, more than 300 persons applied for the Sustainable Food Growth Grant, which provided up to $50,000 in funding to food producers such as farmers, fishers and agribusiness practitioners. Minister Sweeting introduced three recipients of the sustainable food growth grants. He said the offering was oversubscribed at its deadline on October 7.  The recipients include: Johnelle Lewis (VNET Multi Enterprise); Shomekhan Cargill (Well Mudda Fungus) and Lance Pinder (Abaco Big Bird Poultry).

Minister Sweeting said the country faces constant threats of hurricanes, which can disrupt growing capacity and also faces challenges in getting millennials and young people interested in traditional farming due to its nature of being labour intensive and uncertain. He said that smart technologies can address these challenges.

“Thankfully, we have talented Bahamians who are adept [at] new and emerging technologies, and we will continue to provide a platform for education, research and opportunities to increase awareness and promote opportunity in this sector.”

The Accelerator, Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) Interim Executive Director, Samantha Rolle said that the grant is a timely one, given its focus on this sector.

“As climate change continues to threaten food production systems globally, The Bahamas must be quick to pivot and recognize the growing importance of technology in food innovation,” said Ms. Rolle. “Following the successful launch of the Sustainable Food Growth Grant, we saw tremendous public engagement in achieving more sustainable food production, which was encouraging. This additional funding will allow businesses to incorporate climate change technology and further support our national efforts to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.”

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources & Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting addresses a press conference to launch an incentive that would encourage the use of climate smart technology to boost food security in the country. The event was held, October 27, 2022 at the Ministry’s headquarters on East Bay Street. 

The Access Accelerator, Small Business Development Centre's Interim Executive Director, Samantha Rolle speaks during the press conference.  

Sustainable food growth grant awardees:

Shomekhan Cargill


Johnelle Lewis


Lance Pinder

(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)