The One Bermuda Alliance has cried foul over a lack of transparency on the Government’s plans for a vertical farm. Wayne Furbert, the Cabinet Office minister, announced plans last month for the hi-tech agriculture to produce leafy greens for the island with the use of hydroponics.
Mr Furbert said last month the Government was close to the finish line on plans to develop and finance vertical farming. He rebuffed Opposition queries on the price tag for vertical farming, as well as the job titles and qualifications needed to run them.
Mr Furbert said cash had not been committed to the plan after questions from Susan Jackson, the shadow education, social development and sports minister. He added further details were subject to “confidentiality with developers”.
But Mr Furbert said: “Everyone is doing their due diligence. “When the time comes, I’d be more than happy to disclose it in full detail.” Ms Jackson said later that Vance Campbell, a former Government senator, had discussed vertical farming in June.
Mr Campbell told the Senate that $35 million from the Bermuda Infrastructure Fund might go towards vertical farming and solar power projects. Ms Jackson said: “There's no transparency in negotiations and Government is expecting the local tax payer to foot the bill, whether as private investors or out of the public purse.” She called on the Government to “work harder to be more transparent".