Fort Lauderdale REC to train Barbados ag group
Greenhouses are catching on in Barbados, and UF experts are helping growers in the tiny Caribbean nation use the structures to increase their production of fruits, vegetables and ornamentals.
The Barbadian government is promoting agriculture to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on imported products, said Kimberly Moore, an associate professor with the Ft. Lauderdale REC.
In August, Moore and biological scientist Luci Fisher taught a workshop on basic greenhouse production to farmers on Barbados, an island located northeast of Venezuela that measures only 166 square miles.
June 4-9, a contingent of growers and government agricultural officials will visit the Ft. Lauderdale REC to learn more advanced aspects of greenhouse production, including plant propagation, fertilization and pest management. The workshop will also cover landscape installation and outdoor pruning, because ornamental horticulture is a growing industry in Barbados.
Participants will then train growers back at home, said Moore, who is coordinating the workshop. Other experts involved are IFAS’ George Fitzpatrick, Mary Lamberts and Bill Kern, along with Florida A&M University’s Ed Duke.
In late July, Moore will teach this basic workshop in the Bahamas, as well.
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