Portland farmers to benefit from agro tourism project

At least 40 farmers in the Buff Bay Valley community of Portland are to benefit from a $35.6 million agro-tourism project.



The project is aimed at reactivating farming in the parish and creating sustainable livelihoods for residents of the community and its environs.



Its being funded by the Agriculture Ministry, the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture, the European Union and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority.



The farmers are expected to benefit from training and technical assistance to enhance the production of high quality products for the travel trade, and to make their farms available for eco-tourism excursions.



According to Project Manager, Robert Kerr the programme seeks to link farming with tourism.



Groups to be included in the project include the Charlestown Young Farmers and Bee Farmers Associations, and the Spring Garden Packaging Station.



The 15-month project is to be completed by year-end.