Sugar continues to be the principal agricultural product of Barbados. In 2004, the Barbados sugar sector contributed $14.8 million to GDP. Most of the sugar produced is sold to the European Community at a guaranteed price. There is a movement to transform the sugar industry into a sugar cane industry with an emphasis on fuel for energy. New varieties are in development. These will allow for the generation of electricity, production of ethanol, branded sugars and intellectual property assets.
Apart from sugar, other products include vegetables, root crops, livestock, dairy products and fish. This non-sugar agricultural sector contributed $31.8 million to Barbados' GDP in 2004. This is 7.9% below that of 2003.
During 2004, the Fishing Industry proved to be a major contributor to food security and economic and social well-being. This industry provided employment directly or indirectly for an estimated 6,000 persons. Areas of employment include fish processing, boat building and fish exporting.
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