Proposals for vertical farming in Bermuda as well as a fish-processing plant have racked up $134,000 in expenses, the Senate has heard.

But while the island’s fishermen were said to be “committed” to the fishing industry proposal, the plan remains “on pause” while discussions continue with the Government.

Details emerged in questions during the Budget debate for Leslie Robinson, the Junior Minister of Economy and Labour and Public Works, from the One Bermuda Alliance senator Douglas De Couto.

Ms Robinson said that vertical farming — which was put on hold last November after the Government’s overseas partner company took heavy losses — had incurred almost $50,000 in costs to date.

She said that $24,400 had been paid in “legal fees for forming the proposed new company”.

A further $25,000 represented “consultancy fees for the review of the business model and the plan”.

Ms Robinson added: “For the fishery department centre, $84,000 has been spent to date — $35,000 in consultancy fees to review and access the business plan and $49,000 in public meetings, draft business plan development, testing of fish catch quality, temporary project management staff in the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, and site visits of processing centres overseas.”

A fish-processing plant, which has faced scepticism from some in the island’s fishing community, was originally proposed for Marginal Wharf in St David’s.

Plans as of 2021 had the Government proposing a site at the West End instead.