Friday, February 28, 2014

Agriculture

Agriculture in Bermuda 
Estimated Agricultural Production 2004-2007

Produce
2004
2005
2006
2007
Vegetables
$4,095,000
$4,250,000
$4,547,500
$4,950,000
Fruit
$291,000
$381,150
$333,000
$97,628
Flowers
$262,500
$175,000
$192,500
$85,000
Honey
$138,500
$225,000
$133,000
$68,960
TOTAL
$4,787,000
$5,031,150
$5,383,000
$5, 601,588

  • Vegetable production in 2007 saw a modest gain over the previous year.  Farmers reported a fair to good year thanks in part to mostly favourable weather conditions.  The reprieve from hurricanes and major storms was welcomed by the local growers.  However, the unseasonable warm and humid weather in December 2007 saw many farmers lose 50-60% of their broccoli crop to black rot.  
  • Fruit production was down in comparison to 2006.  Banana production was drastically down over the previous year due to damage sustained to the plantations by Hurricane Florence in 2006.  It’s estimated that banana production was approximately 1/3 of that in 2006.  Avocado production was also minimal due to the lingering effects of Hurricane Florence.  Citrus production fared little better as many backyard growers had little to show for their efforts.  Strawberries, however, had a good year with production continuing up to 3 weeks longer than usual.
  • Flower production was down in 2007 as some growers experienced problems in obtaining new lily bulbs and rooted flower cuttings.
  • Honey production was up with beekeepers reporting an excellent nectar flow in September-October.  This was a welcomed harvest as the early nectar flow in July-August was virtually non-existent. 

Summary of Agricultural Workforce 2004 – 2007

Number of Participants
2004
   2005
2006
2007
In Vegetable Production (total)
105
114
120
116
Full-time farmers
23
25
25
26
Part-time farmers
28
32
38
33
Full-time labourers
37
38
38
41
Part-time labourers
10
11
9
7
Managerial/Support Staff
7
8
10
9
Number of operations
46
52
55
55
Registered Home Growers
9
17
19
12

Notes - An operation refers to an individual farm or farming business
             - Registered home growers are not included in the total