MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Blockaded by Argentina, Falkland’ plans to grow its own vegetables and eggs

The Islands has a long and successful experience in growing vegetables in poly tunnel

A quarter of million pounds (approximately 400.000 dollars) is to be used to produce more fruit, vegetables, salad and hen eggs within the Falkland Islands. The Executive Council (ExCo) agreed the funding which is to be administered by the Development Corporation (FIDC) in a bid to reduce the amount of imports into the Islands.

Approximately 319mt of fresh vegetables and fruit was imported into the Falklands by air and sea in 2009/2010, according to a paper produced by FIDC general manager David Waugh, but it is estimated that 64%, of those imports could be grown in the Falklands, either in a field (152mt) or in a poly tunnel (51mt).

Additionally, in the region of 12,000 eggs are imported via the LAN flight every fortnight.

The move to grow more locally was prompted by the increased protestations and actions from Argentina against British sovereignty, as well as their attempts to form an economic blockade by disrupting shipping since the restart of oil exploration in Falklands’ waters.

The potential for further disruption to shipping links and the added possibility of disruption to the air link, both of which are heavily relied on for the importation of fresh produce between South American and the Falklands, has created genuine concern for the Government said Mr Waugh.

“The aim is for the Falklands to become self sufficient and less susceptible to external pressure,” he said.

Applications for funding from the Import Substitution budget will follow the standard FIDC loan application process. Two funding ratios have been proposed for those wishing to establish or expand import substitution activity, as well as appropriate areas of Beckside Farm being made available for lease.

Parts of Beckside Farm, such as the chicken shed, the paddocks and other areas of land could be individually leased for their most appropriate activity, ensuring effective use of the land, explained Mr Waugh. “It could be seen as an inefficient use of 1,100 acres of land if a business leased the whole of Beckside Farm just for egg production,” he said.

Funding on the basis of a 70% debt, 20% grant and 10% equity ratio will be available for those starting out and for rural businesses with a higher degree of self-funding available but seeking an incentive and some assistance, a 20% grant supported by 80% of the applicant’s funds is in place.

Mr Waugh said the object was, “not to attract keen gardeners or hobbyists, but to encourage and assist professional, serious business minded operators.”

MLA Mike Summers said that the Import Substitution program presented an opportunity and a challenge to Falklands’ farms and businesses to produce the quantities of eggs and vegetables that are required in our shops and restaurants.

He said the experience of high prices, low availability and often poor quality recently, had not been good and there was opportunity for productive businesses to add to the Islands self sufficiency.

“It is hoped that the re-introduction of the containerised shipping service will provide better availability of fruit and vegetables in the shops, but it should never be able to compete with our own locally produced goods,” he said.  (Penguin News)