In Season: Sugar Cane

It was in 1642 that sugar farming was introduced in Barbados by the Dutch and since then, sugar has not only become a major part of our history but also has been a main molding source of our culture and heritage. For years Barbados only used sugar for feedstock, fuel and rum; however in 1664 that changed and the bigger plantations started exporting the sugar and soon it was dominating Barbados's economic growth. "White gold" was the name given to it because of the great wealth, fame and statue it produced for the island.

Although our main economic driver is no longer sugar  and Barbados does not produce half the amount it did in the past, as you drive through the country side you will most definitely be greeted by fields upon fields of sugar cane. It is a sight you will never forget!