During her visit to Atlantic Beach Urban Farms, Kendria Ferguson, Bahamas Disaster Consultant at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), was impressed by the facility’s use of aeroponic technology to cultivate plants in a misty environment without soil or harmful chemicals. The climate-controlled greenhouse at the farm is equipped with over 200 vertical towers and can produce thousands of pounds of high-quality fresh greens all year round.
The agricultural sector in the Bahamas has been facing challenges in recent years, with more than 90% of the country’s food needs being met through imports, primarily from the United States. Limited access to public funds, grant opportunities, and insurance coverage has hindered the ability of many farmers to expand and seek support. Despite these obstacles, Kendria emphasizes the importance of reducing dependency on food imports in order to increase food production in a timely manner.
Implementing similar aeroponic technology as used at Atlantic Beach Urban Farms can help reduce the influx of competitive imports and enhance the capacity to distribute and support large-scale productivity outputs within the country’s agricultural framework. While it may not be possible to entirely eliminate the need for imports, taking steps towards reducing dependency can have a significant impact on sustainable food production.
Kendria expresses her gratitude for the tour of Atlantic Beach Urban Farms and appreciation for their engagement in showcasing innovative agricultural practices that contribute towards sustainable food production. For more information about their services, visit their website at www.atlanticbeachurbanfarms.com.
