Premier rejects claims of neglecting farmers

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has denied claims that his government has not done enough to support the agriculture and fisheries sectors amid concerns about the territory’s food security.

Speaking at a press conference last week, Dr Wheatley said the government was “extremely serious about food security,” despite public criticism that not enough has been done to address the issue.

“For very long, and it’s not just government administrations, all of us, the entire society, has taken our food security for granted,” he stated.

The Premier said his administration has developed a clear vision and allocated budget funding for agricultural development. He also credited former Junior Minister for Agriculture, Dr Karl Dawson, for his continued support of the sector and said there had been “some signs of life” in recent efforts.

“I believe that agriculture and fisheries need a dedicated minister,” he explained. “To get the industry going, it needs that dedicated focus and attention.”

Dr Wheatley said he had requested new ministerial posts from the UK government to appoint a minister exclusively to agriculture and fisheries. “We need to be able to have a minister function in that space,” he said. “In the meantime, Dr Dawson has graciously agreed to continue supporting me in the area.”