The "incredible" skills of local farmers — and the need to support them — was the topic of debate kicking off the Motion to Adjourn in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Junior Labour Minister Walter Roban made a lengthy speech championing farmers and cows he met on a trip with Labour Minister David Burch and Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney.

Mr. Roban singled out Warren Brown for praise for his state-of-the-art techniques which enable him to grow tomatoes and cucumbers without soil.

"What's fascinating about this is in this one structure this gentleman can supply the whole nation with tomatoes and cucumbers, which I think is incredible," said the Junior Minister.

Mr. Roban also had a kind word for cows on the farms, which he said seem to have their own personalities.

"These are sterling farmers, Mr. Speaker, and they provide our country with home-grown products," he concluded.

"I would encourage Bermudians to go and support our local produce, particularly in these difficult times."

Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons responded by saying Government needed to do more to help farmers, whom he agreed were doing an excellent job.

Mr. Simons said the Island should have an embargo on importing tomatoes, to make it easier for local farmers to sell their own. He said they also needed more help buying machinery, produce, equipment and animals.

Referring to Mr. Roban's comments, Mr. Simons said: "We need to give more tangible support than the lip service we have heard here."

Next up was Mr. Blakeney who said think tanks have been taking place between himself and farmers.

He said importing embargoes take place from time to time, while farms already receive duty-free concessions on all farming equipment.

Also in the Motion to Adjourn, Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons raised questions about trade unions filing their financial reports.

He said a couple of union members had told him their union had not filed a recent set of financial statements — with the last one they were aware being filed in 1999 or possibly 2002. Unions are supposed to file on June 1 each year.

Dr. Gibbons, who did not name the union concerned, said he would be taking the matter up with the relevant Government MP.