Agriculture & Fisheries

 

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.