by Shamar Blunt
(Barbados Today) – Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rene Orellana Halkyer, has praised the level of organisation within Barbados’ fishing industry.
During a tour of the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex on Tuesday, Halkyer said he was especially impressed with the cooperative structure linking fisherfolk, vendors and families throughout the value chain
“We were very surprised because of the way the fishermen, as well as the families of the fisheries, are very well organized,” he said, adding that the cooperative model demonstrated how stronger economic organisation could create “important economic opportunities” for fishing communities.
He noted that the FAO remained committed to supporting collaboration between the public and private sectors to further strengthen the industry.
During the tour, Halkyer said there needed to be further investment in fertiliser production from fish waste as global costs continue to rise amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Barbados has in recent years invested heavily in fish silage projects, which convert fish waste into animal feed and fertiliser products.
