The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Farmers United Association's (FUA) chairman yesterday said the Government's decision to temporarily restrict pepper and tomato imports was "too late" for many, even though he backed the move.

Dennis Cates, proprietor of Cates Farm and Petting Zoo, told Tribune Business that many Bahamian farmers had gone out of business having received little to no hurricane relief in the wake of Hurricane Matthew two years ago.

"I think it's a good thing," he said of the import restrictions, "but only a few farmers will be able to benefit; the rest are out of business. It's really that in this country we have placed emphasis on so many other things rather than focus on feeding our people; it's ridiculous. This announcement is good for those who will benefit, but what about the ones out of business who got no assistance?"

He added: "We have farmers out here hurting. I have lost over $300,000. I know of others others who lost millions, who lost everything. I could call names all day long.

"The Government needs to look at clamping down on these people misusing land. You have people building homes, apartments and convenience stores, and farmers are struggling to get land."

The restriction by the Government also places an embargo on the importation of materials needed to grow these tomatoes and peppers. "Due to the high output of Bahamian farms throughout the country, the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources has instituted restrictions on the importation of sweet peppers or bell peppers and table tomatoes into the Bahamas," the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources said in a release.

"Until further notice, imports of these foods as well as material needed to grow them will be restricted from entering the country.

"According to director of agriculture, Gregory Rahming, the temporary restriction on imports will allow Bahamian surplus produce greater access to the retail market without the added competition of imported tomatoes and sweet peppers."