Some thoughts on trading

 

Living in a small island state permits me to have some observations that go unnoticed in other jurisdictions. This leads me to questions which I have wondered go unanswered annually. In this instance, I turn to trade. 

• How can other countries get their items to the end user more cheaply than those of us that would have shorter supply chains? 
• How would our countries benefit economically should we send back the cargo vessels full of goods produced here rather than letting them go back empty after the importation is completed? 
• How can we more affordably move people and goods across the Caribbean by boats if air travel cost are so prohibitive?
• Why are we so quick to adopt the policies of international jurisdictions that don't seem to follow the dictates that they seek to impose on us for compliance?
• Why are we not utilizing our lands effectively to contribute to our food security? Most base ingredients used across the globe are similar, and the difference is applied to arrive at various dishes. 
• We need to return to agriculture to enable us to feed ourselves and use the money saved in other areas that address our ability to reduce debt, strengthen the health programs within our jurisdictions, and ensure that the foods we receive are more wholesome, bonafide foods rather than having fruit without seeds and other non organic forms. Let's eat for quality experiences not full stomachs. 
• Our chefs should be featuring our locally grown foods rather than all the imported items including imported chefs. 
• With the amount of food businesses, and the fact there is a high failure rate among such establishments, why are there not more food management courses offered to teach locals the business side of food? 
• We need to put access to international markets in place via shipping route development for our exports to really take off. 

There are others but today we stop here. Have a great weekend, ponder what was highlighted earlier. and come up with solutions. We need them as a matter of urgency. 

Could rabbits save us foreign exchange?

 Rabbit has grown in popularity in various parts of the world where is it welcomed for a variety of reasons. There are so many who find rabbits appealing, some want trinkets [see https://everythingbunnyrabbit.com/]. However, it must be noted with keen interest that for many, rabbit meat is considered a food source. If you need to learn about rearing rabbits there is information that you can consider below: 

Rabbit Consumption

So how popular is rabbit meat? It is heavily consumed in countries like Italy, Spain, France, and China; people in these destinations consume approximately 8kg per person of rabbit meat. 

Among the reasons given is that meat is cheap, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Rabbit is entirely white meat. There are some 89 countries that import rabbit meat and this is their consumption levels that seem quite high, along with the reasons. [https://www.nationmaster.com/nmx/ranking/import-of-rabbit-or-hare-meat-and-offal]

Rabbit Breeds in Barbados

Within Barbados, there are breeds of rabbits that are desired by those who live in the island for a variety of reasons. There are as follows:

• New Zealand White
• New Zealand Red
• The Californian
• The English
• The Flemish Giant
• and The Chinchilla

In terms of meat production, the popularity stays with The Flemish Giant and The New Zealand Red. 

Interested in Cuniculture

Cuniculture is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising domestic rabbits as livestock for their meat. Rabbits may be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety where you can further get advice on care and maintenance. This information was made available in GIS Barbados which cited Cathy Lashley, October 19, 2021.  

Now that you know that you have access to a readily available resource. It appears to be a low entry point into the market and the product is in high enough demand. Why are we not capitalizing on this opportunity to boost our exports and make the linkages to tourism where we market to some of the same countries that readily include rabbits in their diets? It's an alternative which can be included in our menus, which brings me to the culinary elements. [See https://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/recipes/recipe-collections/rabbit-recipes-15016] 

With the amount of existing and emerging food service entities, why are we not using our culinary creativity? We have award-winning chefs, foodies and some great creative minds within the field of agriculture. We have a hospitality institute and a number of culinary schools; why isn't our creativity shining? 

I hope that you explore the links within this article for thought joggers as to how you can differentiate yourselves within the market. Are there other elements to consider? Yes there are, but we can discuss those when you book an appointment with us. Thanks so much for allowing me to share with you. Have a phenomenal day. Visit us at bladesandbladesconsultancy.com