The opposition One Bermuda Alliance has criticized the Government for failing to listen to farmers before moving ahead with plans to develop a vertical farming industry on the island. The project – a key pillar in the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan – was put on pause after the US company brought in to spearhead the project reported huge losses.
Earlier this year, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation went into partnership with Florida-based firm Kalera to set up a Bermuda subsidiary. The Government had spent the previous three years developing the plan – despite warnings from island experts that it was not feasible.
Yesterday, Jarion Richardson, the deputy leader of the OBA, accused the Government of having a superiority complex. Mr. Richardson said: “Economic recovery is too important to rely on ideas like vertical farming.
“It’s clear that even if the idea were feasible – which has never been shown – its impact on the economy would be minimal. In other words, it wouldn’t change the lives of Bermudians for the better. And the insistence of the Government to pursue an idea not supported by any on-island experts shows both the unwillingness to listen and the sense of superiority the Government feels.
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