By Nathaniel Lewis

Members of Grand Bahama's agriculture industry will have a chance to showcase their talents and produce as Grand Bahama, along with 11 other Family Island communities that have entered this year's Ministry of Agriculture island-based agribusiness expos.

Under the theme "Progressing toward food security," the expo will kick-off in the nation's capital of New Providence at the Gladstone Road Agriculture Centre, March 1. Other islands entered are Eleuthera, North Andros, Mangrove Cay, South Andros, Long Island, San Salvador, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Inagua, and Abaco, and participants have been encouraged to showcase the uniqueness of their islands.

Commenting on the Expo was Minister of Arguculture, Larry Cartwright who said "These expos have been a dedicated means of showcasing the products of the hard work, skill and expertise of our farmers, fishermen and processors. They also highlight the critical importance of the agriculture and fisheries sectors to the economy of The Bahamas. Through presentations and demonstrations by schools, expos have served to attract young Bahamians to the sectors and inspire agribusiness entrepreneurship."

Cartwright further noted "This increased participation of islands and districts reflect a wider and truer representation of our country.

It is an indication of the sustained interest and enthusiasm for the expos and speaks well for the growth and development of agriculture and fisheries. The Ministry's policies and programs have been consistent with the expo's theme," he said.

Initiatives of The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture include the creation of marine protected areas, institution of closed fishing seasons, embryo transfer program, enactment of the Animal Control and Protection Act, and establishment of the backyard and community gardens programs.

From New Providence, the expo moves to Eleuthera's Bay Front Park beginning March 7; North Andros' Nicholl's Town Auditorium beginning March 9, and at Long Island's Regatta Site (Salt Pond) beginning March 16. These expos will lead to the fourth national expo scheduled for 2013 at the Gladstone Road Agriculture Centre, New Providence.

Islands joining for the first time this year are Bimini, Inagua and San Salvador. Cat Island, which participated last time, has declined.