Policy setting for improved linkages between agriculture, trade and tourism:
Strengthening the local agrifood sector and promoting healthy food in agritourism


Workshop organised by the Government of Barbados
In collaboration with CABA, CTA, IICA, CTO, CHTA, CDB

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Barbados,  27 & 28 March 2019

Follow the event on Twitter @brubriefings #BarbadosAgritourism #Agritourism

Read the Press communiqué

Background Note

Programme

Key Recommendations of the Working Groups

Photos

Media


PROGRAMME

Wednesday, March 27 2019

Moderator: Roxanne Waithe, Technical Specialist, IICA

8:30 – 9:00 Registration

9:00 – 9:05 Welcome Remarks
-Mr. Seibert Frederick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

9:05 – 9:20: Brief Remarks:

-Ms. Katja Svensson, Programme Manager, Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM

9:20 – 9:35 Hon. Indar Weir, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

Main Objectives of the Workshop

9:35 – 9:45 : Mrs. Ena Harvey, Representative Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)

Session 1: Setting the Scene: Opportunities to Support Linkages Between Agriculture, Trade, Tourism and Health

This session will set the scene in relation to the opportunities and linkages between the tourism sector and other sectors, including agriculture and trade. It will also examine successful models in other countries which could be relevant to the development of a national agro-tourism policy.

9:45 – 10:00 Development of a National Agro-Tourism Policy
– Mrs. Suzette Edey-Babb, Chief Economist, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security  [presentation]

10:00 – 10:15 Global and Regional Agro-Tourism Development Trends
– Mrs. Ena Harvey, Representative, IICA  [presentation]

10:15 – 10:35 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

10:35 – 10:50 COFFEE BREAK

Session 2: The Barbados Context: Opportunities for the Development of Agro-Tourism

This session aims to provide a better understanding of the opportunities for agro-tourism in Barbados. It will also assess the key initiatives required for the formulation of a national agro-tourism policy.

10:50 – 11:05 Opportunities for Greater Policy Linkages Between the Tourism and Agriculture Sectors
– Mrs. Nicole Alleyne, Chief Tourism Development Officer, Ministry of Tourism and International Transport [presentation]

11:05 – 11:20 Gaps and Opportunities for Increased Market Linkages Between Agricultural Products and the Tourism Sector
– Mr. Curtis Grant, Consultant (Former), Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA)  [presentation]

11:20 -11:50 Overview of the Main Agricultural and Fisheries Products With Potential For Export to Tourism Markets
– Mr. Donn Johnson, Survey Officer, Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC)  [presentation]
– Mr. Stephen Willoughby, Chief Fisheries Officer, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy  [presentation]

11:50 -12:20 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS


12:20 – 1:20 LUNCH


1:20 – 3:00 Working Groups: Priority Strategies and Policies for Agro-Tourism Development and Support

3:00 – 3:15 BREAK

3:15 – 4:00 Working Group Presentations


4:00 – 4:30 Plenary Discussion

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Moderator: Mr. Eric Lewis, Economist, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Session 1: Promoting Agro-Tourism Through the Provision of Financial and Technical Assistance, Value Chains and Safety Standards

This session will provide an overview of the financial and technical assistance available and the sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards required for the development of a sustainable agro-tourism sector.

8:30 – 9:15 Overview of Financial and Technical Assistance Available for Agro-Tourism Projects
– Mrs. Nicole Alleyne, Chief Tourism Development Officer, Ministry of Tourism and International Transport  [presentation]
– Mr. Rohan Cumberbatch, Investment Analyst, Enterprise Growth Fund Limited (EGFL)  [presentation]
– Mr. Marc Ifill, Business Development Officer, Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC)  [presentation]

9:15 -10:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Supplying Certified Fresh Produce to the Hospitality Sector: Policy Solutions
– Mr. Curtis Grant, Consultant (Former), Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA)  [presentation]
– Mr. Clayton Roach, Procurement Supervisor, Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC)  [presentation]
– Mr. Theodore Fraser, Operations Officer, Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) 

10:00 – 10:45 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

10:45 – 11:00 COFFEE BREAK

11:00- 11:45 Linking Farmers to Agribusiness for Quality Products
– Mr. Stephen Farquharson, Regional Technical Officer, Caribbean Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ)  [presentation]
– Mr. Damie Sinanan, Senior Advisor, Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Caribbean Export Development Agency [presentation]
– Dr. Beverley Wood, Project Coordinator, National Agricultural Health and Food Control Programme  [presentation]

Session 2: Product Development and Branding

This session will examine the key requirements for branding, product development and marketing to tourism-markets and examples of successful models.

11:45 – 12:15 Supplying Seafood to the Tourism Sector: Experiences and Challenges
– Ms. Kristina Adams, Aquaculture Consultant, Adams Aqualife  [presentation]
– Mr. David Sumpter, Managing Director, Shorelinez Inc  [presentation]

12:15 – 12:45 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

12:45 – 1:45 LUNCH

1:45 – 2:45 Marketing and Development of Value-Added, Health and Wellness, and Farm Based Tourism Products
-Ms. Georgina Thornton, Manager, PEG Farm and Nature Reserve  [presentation]
– Mr. Mahmood Patel, Manager, Coco Hill Forest Hikes and Tours  [presentation]
– Mr. Steve Andrews, Chief Executive Officer, Soothing Touch Day Spa  [presentation]
– Ms. Fayola Agaja, Entrepreneur and Graduate, Youth Agri-preneurship Incubator Programme (YAIP)  [presentation]

2:45- 3:15 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

3:15 – 3:30 BREAK

Session 3: Promoting Culinary Tourism: The Link Between Agriculture and Local Cuisine

This session will examine the role and experiences of policy makers, chefs and other culinary professionals in stimulating the demand for local agricultural products and promoting local cuisine.

3:30 – 3:35 The Chefs for Development Programme
Mrs. Ena Harvey, Representative, IICA  [presentation]

3:35 – 3:50 Trends, Expectations and Lessons Learned
Mr. Peter Edey, Managing Director, The Dining Club  [presentation]

3:30 – 4:25 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

4:25 – 4:30 THE WAY FORWARD
[presentation]