BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Minister of Agriculture, Dr. David Estwick, says that the benefits to be derived from the production and wide utilisation of cassava flour as a substitute for wheat will not only be economical, but health-related as well. Estwick, who is also a medical practitioner, made the comments during a press conference where it was announced that manufacturers in this country will be involved in trials to determine the possibility of using cassava flour as a substitute for wheat flour in locally-baked goods. The Minister told those gathered, including representatives of his Ministry, the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association and the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation, that while there are indeed economic benefits for the agricultural and manufacturing sectors through the pursuit of the venture, the positive impact that it can also have on the health of Barbadians should not be overlooked.
