NASSAU, BAHAMAS-Andros has the land, the water, and the people to feed the entire nation — and it’s time to unleash that potential, according to Senator Darron Pickstock. Addressing the Andros Business Outlook, Pickstock, who serves as Executive Chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), called on Bahamians to unite behind a bold push for food security and economic self-sufficiency.
“With nearly 90 percent of our food imported, we are vulnerable to global shocks,” said Pickstock. “From COVID-19 to inflation to bird flu, we’ve seen what happens when supply chains collapse. Food security is not just an agricultural issue — it is a national security issue.”
Pickstock described Andros as a “sleeping giant” with the capacity to not only feed itself but the entire Bahamas. “Andros can wait no longer,” he declared. “This island must become the agricultural engine of The Bahamas.”
The BAIC chairman detailed a series of initiatives now underway to strengthen local agriculture and reduce dependency on foreign imports. He noted that the government has increased direct support to farmers by 200 percent, with the national agriculture budget rising from $25 million to $35 million. “We’re embracing innovation,” he said, citing a recent agreement to establish five hydroponic farms across The Bahamas — including one in Andros — that will introduce modern techniques to increase production with fewer resources.
Pickstock pointed to the tangible impact of recent efforts, particularly the Farmers Commercialization Pilot Program in North Andros. That initiative linked local farmers directly with wholesale buyers and generated more than $312,000 in sales between December 2024 and May 2025. “In some months, farmers earned upwards of $20,000,” he said. “We’re proving that with the right coordination and market intelligence, our farmers can thrive.”
He also announced that BAIC is finalizing a National Crop Calendar to help farmers grow the right crops at the right time based on national demand. “This will reduce oversupply, minimize spoilage, and make it easier for Bahamian produce to reach store shelves and dining tables,” he said.
Access to land is another key component of the government’s strategy. Pickstock revealed that BAIC has approved over 200 lease applications since September 2024, including three new allocations in Andros — at Duncombe’s Coppice, San Andros, and Mastic Point. “We’re eclipsing the fewer than 40 leases approved by the previous administration in nearly five years,” he said.
One of the more ambitious efforts highlighted during his address was the Golden Yolk Egg Project, which seeks to increase national egg production from 750,000 to more than 27 million annually. “Our goal is to produce 13 million of those eggs in the Family Islands,” Pickstock said. “Andros will directly benefit as 38 new grow houses are rolled out across 12 islands.” He added that more than 10 schools are already participating in the initiative by raising laying chickens, combining agriculture, nutrition, and education in a single effort.
Beyond traditional farming, Pickstock said BAIC is also supporting Bahamian entrepreneurs in food processing and creative industries. He touted the success of the corporation’s “Taste and Tell” showcase, which has helped bring locally made jams, sauces, and other food products to market. “We’ve grown from under 40 vendors to over 50,” he said. “These are real Bahamian brands landing on store shelves in homes across the country.”
Efforts are also underway to revive vendor booths in Red Bays and expand training in soap-making, straw work, and shell crafts on Andros. “We want to see Androsians turning their creativity into income,” he said.
Pickstock concluded his remarks with a direct appeal to residents and stakeholders. “The time for waiting has passed. The time for potential has expired. The time for Andros to rise is now,” he said. “And when it stands, it will not only feed itself — it will feed The Bahamas, and it will feed the region.”
Calling on Bahamians to act with urgency, he added, “The soil is ready. The talent is here. The opportunity is upon us. Let us step boldly into the future — together.”
