April 12, 2013 at 5:47 p.m.
A group of farmers plan to boycott the Annual Exhibition this year because they have 'had enough of' government red tape.
Tom Wadson said that he and several other farmers would not be attending the event, showcasing their produce or judging competitions.
He said: "We have all just had enough.
"We are simply getting no support from Government at a time when we need it most.
"It is hard enough being a farmer at the moment, without having to jump through all these hoops and get passed all the red tape.
"We will not be attending the event year and we will not be judging any of the events.
"Our livelihood is being hampered by restrictions and regulations that there are nowhere else in the world."
This year’s 75th Agricultural Exhibition, which will be held on April 18th, 19th and 20th, at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens.
More than 3,000 participants have registered for this year’s show with a large number of submissions from across all categories - from miniature model gardens; to flower arrangements; and of course jar after jar of delicious jams waiting to be scrutinized by the judges’ palates.
Government response:
The Bermuda Government was surprised to read the allegations by farmer Tom Wadson in a story carried by a local online media outlet today. Mr. Wadson, purportedly speaking on behalf of the Bermuda Farmers Association, announced that the Association would boycott the 75th Agricultural Exhibition next week. Mr. Wadson referred to a letter in which the Department of Environmental Protection had asked the Department of Customs to intercept all imported seeds. Mr. Wadson also suggested that the Government was “trying to kill what little is left of Bermuda’s agricultural business”.
Mr. Wadson failed to advise the public of a number of important facts related to the concerns he has raised. In particular, he did not acknowledge that the request to intercept imported seeds was based on information that seeds had been treated with pesticides that could be harmful to agriculture in Bermuda. He failed to acknowledge that the Bermuda Farmers Association, including Mr. Wadson, had met with the Minister responsible for the Environment on 27th March, 2013 to discuss this very issue and other concerns of the Association. Mr. Wadson failed to mention that as a result of that meeting the Government agreed to rescind that letter until further consultation had taken place on the matter. The Association and the Minister discussed a number of other issues and agreed a plan to address those issues.
With regard to the Government’s support of Agriculture, the Government is pleased to confirm its commitment to this most vital component of Bermuda’s sustainability. It’s commitment to Agriculture has been demonstrated by the decision to consolidate responsibility under one Department, the Department of Environmental Protection, rather than two as had been the case until recently. As a result of this consolidation, the Government Marketing Centre has been moved to the Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, Government’s support to Agriculture is also demonstrated in its commitment to produce a new Agriculture Strategy. The Minister of Environment and Planning has set a deadline of 1st November, 2012 for that strategy to be delivered to him for his consideration. Consultations with key stakeholders on the elements of this strategy have already begun.
The Agricultural Exhibition is an excellent opportunity for all of Bermuda to celebrate the importance of Agricultural to Bermuda. It is a showcase for Bermuda’s talent and expertise in a wide range of creative endeavors. The Government would like to encourage all of Bermuda to attend and join in the celebration of this wonderful Bermuda tradition.
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