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Barbados may be facing a spike in food imports this Christmas following flash floods that disrupted domestic farming just weeks before harvest, the Ministry of Agriculture said Tuesday while insisting it is too soon to draw firm conclusions.
Acting Chief Agricultural Officer Michael James told Barbados TODAY on Tuesday that while production may have been disrupted in some areas, consumers and importers must strictly follow the country’s regulations if bringing in fresh produce or meats.
But he stressed that no firm conclusion can be drawn yet, emphasising that any increase in imports remains only a possibility until the Ministry of Agriculture receives detailed assessments from its field officers.
“There might be an increase,” he told Barbados TODAY. “We’re still crunching the numbers. Our people were out in the fields last week, the week before, and they’re back out again gathering more information. I can’t say what crops or how much because the information isn’t back to me as yet, and I don’t want to mislead anyone.”
James explained that the floods affected farms differently across the island, with some producers suffering major setbacks while others were spared. He noted that while vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and young seedlings were likely impacted, root crops such as sweet potatoes and yam may fare better because they are grown underground.
Even so, he noted that farmers typically plant heavily ahead of Christmas. “At present, you can probably go to the market and get most of what you want,” he said. “A lot of farmers would have already planted for the Christmas season.”
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James said the ministry is still quantifying the level of crop loss caused by the flash floods earlier this month, which submerged fields, washed out seedlings, and left several farmers struggling. The preliminary damage included destroyed beds of young vegetables and setbacks for growers who had just planted with the expectation of Christmas sales — one of the most important earning periods in the agricultural year.
This follows earlier warnings from farmers who told Barbados TODAY last week that the floods had placed the traditional Christmas harvest “in jeopardy” as waterlogged fields wiped out crops mere weeks before reaping.
While stressing that the ministry will not speculate until the data is complete, James said severe weather can influence import volumes if shortages emerge. “All I’m saying is there might be an increase in imports of certain produce, particularly where those were impacted due to the floods. We’re not sure yet.”
He also cautioned that the Christmas season routinely sees a spike in people attempting to smuggle food, a practice that poses risks, especially when local supply may be under pressure.
“If you’re looking to import any fresh fruit, vegetables or meats, you have to meet the regulatory regime of Barbados,” he said. “You need an import permit for fresh fruits and vegetables, and you need an import certificate for meats. You can’t just say: ‘I’m going to bring in a ham from somewhere.’ You have to check with the relevant agencies.”
He noted that unauthorised imports can expose the island to serious plant and animal health threats. “It safeguards us and it safeguards you,” he said. “People may inadvertently bring in plants or products we don’t want in the country.”
James added that until the final field assessments are complete, his department will not confirm whether any specific commodities may need to be supplemented through imports. “Some crops were impacted, some more than others,” he said. “But root crops might be okay. We have to wait on the data.”
He urged the public to be vigilant ahead of the holidays and ensure any produce or meats imported into Barbados meet all national safety requirements. “This is a word to the wise,” he said. “If you’re seeking to import fresh fruits and vegetables into Barbados during the season or beyond, make sure you deal with Plant Quarantine and the Veterinary Services Division.”
The ministry is expected to release further guidance once assessments are complete. (SM)
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