The Bahamas’ annual National Agricultural Agribusiness & Marine Resources Expo kicks off in Nassau next month, and will bring together producers and entrepreneurs in the fishing, agriculture and agri-business sectors in an event that will be “the largest ever,” according to Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Alfred Gray (pictured).

The Minister said interest in the Expo has grown significantly since it began in 2007 and 155 booths have already been designated for this year’s event.

He encouraged Bahamian entrepreneurs from all areas of the agricultural, marine and agribusiness sectors to get involved and help reduce The Bahamas’ $900-million yearly food bill, saying: “It is expected that as a result of the Expo we would be able to encourage Bahamian farmers to farm more, fishermen to fish more and those who are involved in small cottage industries to do more.”

“The more we can produce, the less we will import.”

Minister Gray said he expected The Bahamas’ food bill to reach over $1 billion once the Cable Beach mega resort Baha Mar opens late 2014 and highlighted the importance of bringing new talent to the agricultural industries.

“This Expo will be a vehicle for attracting and encouraging young people to become involved in these industries,” he said.

The Expo, which runs March 7-9, will be held at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre before moving on to other destinations throughout the Family Islands. It will feature presentations from food producers, seminars, workshops, cultural displays, fruit and vegetable vendors, handicrafts and livestock.

cmorris@dupuch.com