| Together,
agriculture and fishing make up approximately 5% of the
GDP. Agriculture has historically been a challenge for Bahamians,
since only 1% of the land is suitable for crop production.
As a result, the majority of food products are imported,
mostly from the U.S. However, about 30% of the land is forest
or woodland, making timber a small but viable local industry.
Agricultural products grown locally include citrus fruits,
winter vegetables, and poultry. A large portion of the citrus
crop is exported to the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
The
Bahamian fishing industry is successful and steady. Bountiful
marine resources provide The Bahamas with what is arguably
the nation’s most delicious export - crawfish (or
spiny lobster). Crawfish season runs from August 1st to
March 31st, with the majority being caught for export. On
the other hand, most of the fish catch is consumed locally.
Neither crawfish nor fish are raised commercially in The
Bahamas.
Sponging,
a once thriving industry which was destroyed by disease
several decades ago, is making a cautious comeback. There
has also been recent international interest in local marine
products for use within the cosmetic industry, although
projects are currently in the experimental stages. |