Antigua and Barbuda has secured US $180,000 from nearly half a million allocated for regional investments aimed at transforming sweet potato cultivation across Antigua, St Lucia, and Jamaica.

This funding will support the NextGen Sweet Potato Project, placing the country at the forefront of agricultural innovation in the area.

The initiative, financed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) via the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, will allocate the remaining funds to the other two nations.

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is spearheading the project, which was officially inaugurated in August 2024.

During the project’s initial consultation, irrigation expert Bradbury Browne presented historical data illustrating how local farmers have faced seasonal production issues since the 1980s.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Director Gregory Bailey pointed out that the initiative will utilize digital technology and precision farming to enhance resource efficiency.

A notably innovative feature of the project includes the development of value-added products, such as efforts to create composite bread using 40 percent sweet potato flour.

 Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, the project’s technical leader and IICA’s International Specialist on Crop Production and Innovation, highlighted that modern breeding techniques will enhance existing knowledge.

Bulk buyers, including local bakeries reliant on flour for their operations, can expect to save substantially on popular brands such as Cream of the Islands and CariGold.

For instance, the cost of 100-pound bags will be reduced by an impressive $6 to $10 EC dollars across various markets.

For retail customers venturing into stores, a price decrease of approximately 10 cents per pound will be reflected in bagged flour.

Additionally, well-known premium brands like Easy Bake, Purity, and CariGold will also see significant price cuts, with reductions ranging from 30 to 90 cents per package in supermarkets. This announcement comes at a critical juncture for Caribbean economies, which are increasingly focused on ensuring access to affordable and essential food items for their populations.

The ECGC’s proactive measures are expected to have a positive impact on both individual consumers and local businesses, fostering a sense of community support during this important time of independence.