Barbados is moving forward with plans to revitalize its historic West Indian Sea Island Cotton industry through a new partnership with a foreign private investor — a deal set to significantly boost export earnings and restore global recognition for the island’s premium cotton.
A Major Step for Exports
Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir confirmed that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the investor is in the final stages of preparation. While details of the agreement remain confidential, Weir noted that the venture will generate substantial foreign exchange for Barbados, with cotton prices far exceeding those of most other local exports.
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Cotton from Barbados can fetch over $30 per pound, compared to the $2–$3 currently earned by local pickers, making it one of the most valuable commodities in the agricultural sector.
Expansion Plans Already Underway
A hundred acres of land have already been prepared, and the government is working alongside the investor to determine planting levels. The initial 2025 crop is being used to build a seed bank in preparation for full-scale harvesting of the 2026 crop, which is expected to begin in February or March.
“We would like to see a minimum of 500 acres cultivated by next year,” Weir explained, adding that farmers and workers will benefit from improved pay structures under the new arrangement.
Preserving Legacy, Securing the Future
The West Indian Sea Island Cotton (G. barbadense) grown in Barbados is world-renowned for its silky texture, strength, and durability, and is primarily exported for use in luxury apparel. Its history stretches back to the early colonial era, when Barbados was the first island in the British West Indies to export cotton to Europe in the 1650s.
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While the industry thrived for centuries, it has also faced setbacks, including pest issues, labour shortages, and challenges in scaling production. Past revival attempts, such as the Caribbean Sea Island Cotton Company (CARSICOT) in the 1990s, were undermined by mismanagement and controversy.
This new partnership, however, signals renewed optimism — with private investment expected to provide the financial and technical support needed to restore Barbados’ place on the global stage as a leading producer of premium cotton.
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