Work on the creation of a National Agriculture Strategy has begun with international experts on Island to gather information.

Agricultural Economist Ann Gordon and Dieter Fischer, a consultant to the World Bank on international agribusiness investment, have spent the week collecting data, holding meetings and speaking with members of the public and private sector as part of the project, highlighted in the Throne Speech.

The National Agriculture Strategy is expected to be completed early next year with the goal of increasing the production of food by encouraging investment in farming and crop production.

Director of Environmental Protection Fredrick Ming said: “The final details of the strategy are being mapped out following this week’s consultation with overseas agricultural economists.

“We are seeking to create a vision for a new understanding of what agriculture is, what it could be, and the opportunities that are being lost by not bringing that vision into reality.”

Dr Ming said that if the public and private sector can implement the strategies included in the report, it would create new opportunities for investment, business and create jobs.

“Currently, we are heavily dependent on the importation of food, and would like to see an increase in food produced locally,” Dr Ming said. “Agriculture currently accounts for less than one percent of gross domestic product. This needs to change.

“Food security includes local production through agriculture, in addition to the provision of safeguards, laws and policies that would minimise the risk of interrupting access to imported food. It involves self-sufficiency in local production, but also having access to supply chains that can guarantee an adequate and continuous supply of food that is imported to the island.

“Everyone, regardless of living circumstances, can produce an edible plant. There is something in this for everybody.”