Good afternoon. Thank you for joining us here today at the Agriculture Services Centre.
We are here to provide an important update on Bermuda’s progress in reducing its long-standing dependency on imported food and strengthening our local food security.
As many of you know, Bermuda has relied heavily on imported food for decades, leaving us vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains—whether due to extreme weather events, security concerns at key ports, or other unforeseen events. These risks highlight the critical need to bolster local food production and storage capacity.
Recognising this challenge, the Agricultural Crop Strategy 2016 laid the foundation for a more resilient, self-sufficient agricultural sector. One of its key recommendations was establishing a centralised facility to support food production and ensure adequate storage for locally grown crops. During consultations, it became evident that while large, full-time farms had the resources to maintain storage, smaller, part-time farmers faced significant disadvantages. This significant gap became a major bottleneck, limiting farmers’ ability to expand production beyond what they could immediately sell or store, thus constraining local food production.
Progress to Date
Since implementing this strategy, Bermuda has made significant strides. Today, virtually all registered local growers benefit from the Agriculture Services Centre which is vital to supporting our commercial farming community. The Centre provides essential services, including cold storage, banana ripening, ice production, and supplying essential materials such as chemicals, seeds, and packaging. It has also been instrumental in managing agricultural embargoes, ensuring the continued operation of the agricultural sector even in challenging times.
Recent repairs have allowed the Centre to remain operational despite the facility’s age. However, if you take a moment to view the structure, housed in a century-old warehouse, it is clear that it is no longer viable. The facility poses a serious risk to Bermuda's agricultural sustainability with a deteriorating asbestos cement roof, insufficient water storage, and failing cold storage rooms. While temporary repairs have kept it running, a long-term solution is essential.
A Modern, Sustainable Facility
Following an extensive evaluation of government and private sector properties, constructing a new, state-of-the-art Agriculture Services Centre on government-owned land immediately south of the current site was identified as the best course of action.
This new 15,000-square-foot facility will be designed for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience to provide a much-needed boost to Bermuda's local food production capacity and bolster our overall food security. Key features will include:
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Advanced cold storage and humidity-controlled areas for improved crop preservation.
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A hydrocool room to extend the freshness of perishable goods.
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Expanded dry storage for farming chemicals, seeds, and other essential supplies.
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Modern sorting, packing, and inspection capabilities to ensure local produce reaches the market in optimal condition.
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Renewable energy solutions and enhanced water collection systems to minimise environmental impact.
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A backup generator to ensure continued operation during power disruptions.
Project Timeline & Investment
The planning process is well underway. Brunel Engineering Consultants Ltd. has provided detailed designs, with initial project management led by the Ministry of Public Works’ Department of Public Lands and Buildings. The necessary permits have been secured, and a Class 'A' cost estimate of $14.55 million for the work, reflecting recent inflationary impacts, has been established.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has submitted a funding request as part of the 2025/2026 fiscal budget. Once approved, the development expected to take two-years.
A Cornerstone of Bermuda’s Food Security
This facility is not just an infrastructure project—it is a cornerstone of the Integrated Agricultural Strategy and a key initiative within the Economic Recovery Plan. Without it, efforts to increase local food production would remain constrained, limiting job creation and leaving Bermuda vulnerable to food supply shocks in the industry.
Moreover, the risk of hurricane-related damage to the existing facility emphasises the urgent need for this investment. A severe storm could not only destroy stored produce but also bring agricultural operations to a standstill for an extended period, something none of us can afford.
We are confident this project will be considered a critically needed investment in Bermuda’s future. One that strengthens our food security, supports our farmers, and reinforces our commitment to sustainability.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to see this project’s positive impact on our island's agricultural future.