Locally-focused Diner in Barbados
Barbados, a Caribbean gem known more for its sandy beaches and azure waters than for its agriculture, is undergoing a significant transformation. The island is shifting its focus from commodity sugar exports to building a self-sufficient food system for its citizens [1]. This change is part of a broader regional initiative, CARICOM's "Vision 25 by 2025" (now extended to 2030), aimed at reducing food imports and enhancing local food production [1][3].
The transformation involves deliberate experimentation with diverse crops, moving beyond traditional sugar cane and root crops. For instance, the cultivation of grapes, an uncommon crop in tropical climates, is being explored [3]. This could involve testing heat-resistant or hybrid grape varieties, greenhouse cultivation, or adapting irrigation and soil management techniques to suit Barbados's unique conditions.
The focus on local livestock is another key aspect of the transformation. The Blackbelly sheep, a hardy local breed well-adapted to tropical conditions, is being promoted to reduce dependency on imported animal-source foods [2]. Expanding local livestock production not only supports food security but also offers economic opportunities for small farmers, particularly when integrated with climate-smart and sustainable practices.
However, this transformation is not without challenges. Smallholder farmers in Barbados face difficulties related to market access and adopting new technologies [2]. Support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is crucial, as recently underscored by Barbados’s 2025 MSME Strategy [4]. Climate resilience is another priority, with a focus on water-efficient irrigation, agroforestry, and diversification to help the agriculture sector withstand climate shocks and maintain productivity [5].
Empowering youth and women in agriculture is also a growing concern, ensuring the sector's future viability and inclusivity [5]. Barbados, with its rich culinary heritage blending traditional dishes with foreign fare influenced by African and English ancestors, has a unique opportunity to leverage its cultural assets in this transformation.
In culinary terms, meals are served from various sources, including food vans, fish fries, ethnic eateries, and temples of haute cuisine [6]. For authentic meals out, consider an evening fish fry at Oistins or the plebeian rum shop at Martin's Bay on Thursdays. Just be warned, Saturdays can be loud at markets and food venues in Barbados.
As the transformation continues, visitors to Barbados can look forward to experiencing a vibrant local food scene, with fresh juices like soursop, carambola, and golden apple readily available at markets [2]. Before leaving, fill your suitcase with black cake, a rum-infused fruit dessert, and Bajan seasoning, a coarse puree of onions, garlic, peppers, thyme, marjoram, and vinegar [7].
References: [1] CARICOM Secretariat. (2020). CARICOM Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA). Retrieved from https://www.caricom-cahsfa.org/ [2] CARICOM. (2019). The Regional Food and Nutrition Security Policy Framework and Strategy for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Retrieved from https://caricom.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CARICOM-Regional-Food-and-Nutrition-Security-Policy-Framework-and-Strategy-for-the-Caribbean-Community-CARICOM.pdf [3] CARICOM. (2018). The Caribbean Community Common Market (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME) Agriculture Sectoral Review. Retrieved from https://caricom.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CARICOM-CSME-Agriculture-Sectoral-Review.pdf [4] Government of Barbados. (2020). Barbados 2025: Vision and Strategy. Retrieved from https://barbados.gov.bb/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Barbados-2025-Vision-and-Strategy.pdf [5] FAO. (2019). Climate-Smart Agriculture in the Caribbean. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/ca7397en/ca7397en.pdf [6] Dick, a Dutchman who appreciates good food, has returned to Barbados nine times in the 16 years since his first visit. [7] Bridgetown's Cheapside Market offers a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, including root crops like yams, cassava, eddo, and dasheen. Some vendors sell medicinal teas made from "bush" and organic guys bottle vervain, a weed with healing properties. Maubey, made from a bitter bark, and coconut water fresh from the nut's heart can also be found at markets in Barbados. Before leaving, fill your suitcase with black cake, a rum-infused fruit dessert, and Bajan seasoning, a coarse puree of onions, garlic, peppers, thyme, marjoram, and vinegar. [8] Barbados is formed from coral pushed up from the sea, unlike its volcanic neighbours St. Lucia and St. Vincent. [9] Lemon Arbour in St. John offers lunches featuring pudding and souse, with a sensational pickled sea cat (octopus). [10] Barbados is in the early stages of agriculture transformation, shifting away from commodity exports like sugar and rum towards growing diverse foods for local eaters. [11] The author's first visit to Barbados was with a friend named Sarah and her husband in 1995. [12] The author's first visit to Barbados was also with a new boyfriend named Dick. [13] Shark oil, unrefined chocolate, and bois-bande can be found at a big St. Lucian stall at Cheapside Market. [14] Culinarily, Barbados blends traditional dishes with foreign fare, influenced by African and English ancestors. [15] Meals are served from various sources including food vans, fish fries, ethnic eateries, and temples of haute cuisine. [16] For authentic meals out, consider an evening fish fry at Oistins or the plebeian rum shop at Martin's Bay on Thursdays. [17] Warning: Saturdays can be loud at markets and food venues in Barbados. [18] The east coast of Barbados is temperate and unfit for all but the most experienced surfers.
The transformation in Barbados's lifestyle encompasses not only a shift in its agriculture sector towards sustainable living and self-sufficiency, but also an evolution in food-and-drink, with a focus on locally sourced food and a vibrant local food scene. Additionally, the home-and-garden sector is being increasingly integrated with climate-smart practices for sustainable living, as the island endeavors to reduce food imports and increase local food production. Travelers visiting Barbados can look forward to experiencing these changes firsthand, savoring authentic meals and local dishes as part of their travels.
