Back to the land: Eat more local food

A call has been made by President of the Chamber of Commerce Jerry George for Vincentians to eat more local food from farm lands, instead of the imported processed products from factories.{{more}}

Armed with scientifically proven statistics, George, who delivered an address at the Eastern Caribbean Trading Agriculture and Development (ECTAD) organization Stakeholder Planning Workshop last Tuesday at the Peace Memorial Hall, gave a comprehensive outline of diseases caused by poor diet.

The Chamber President said that various pharmaceutical companies are profiting from people being sick, but if most people took preventative measures such as eating healthily, they could cut many of their medical expenses.

He revealed that breast cancer in women had gone up by 600%, while prostate cancer in men had increased by 200%, but research had shown that certain nutrients in egg plant, the palm tree and pumpkin seeds could counteract cancer cells.

The President pledged the Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to helping farmers market the crops they cultivate. He claims that too many persons are concerned about the “brand name” manufactured foods, instead of going “back to the land” to feed themselves.

George also said that farming is now a big business, with consumers feeling the crunch in their pockets, and called on local and regional leaders to play a greater role in fixing the problems people face with high pricing.(SG)