The Prime Minister says the country needs to cultivate more of its own food to lessen the food import bill. Pierre encourages kitchen farms as a micro-approach, while the government tackles the macro-approaches in policy.

“The answer to the increase in prices is import substitution and another part of the answer is to grow local foods. When I stood up and said that we should move to consume more of our bananas, they laughed at me - they said I was a fool because I said to use more of our local produce. I said that we must try to grow more of what we are eating,” Pierre said.

The Prime Minister first made this appeal in January 2022, urging citizens to “eat more bananas”. This appeal was met with ridicule and heavy criticism by the opposition, and other sections of the public. Soon after the PM’s statements, on February 24, 2022, Russia intensified its efforts to claim portions of Ukraine. As a direct result, the cost of fuel increased, triggering a ripple effect of other increases. Before long, the cost of shipping skyrocketed, and so did the cost of imported food items.

Feeling vindicated in 2023, Pierre renews his calls. “Have your own kitchen garden, grow your own food, plant your own. Instead of the [Opposition Leader] agreeing and working with the government, he played politics,” Pierre lamented.

Following the passage of Tropical Storm Bret, the agriculture sector suffered a tremendous blow. The government has provided relief to farmers, in an effort to have them meet their export quotas.