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
