Minister for Agriculture sets the stage for innovative large scale Agricultural Project

The Honourable Anthony Smith, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, singed a ‘Cooperation Framework Agreement’ on Thursday November 28 in Caracas Venezuela.

This new and innovative ‘Agreement’ is designed to promote sustainable development, increasing agri-food production and productivity and improving Antigua and Barbuda food security and economic standards.

According to Minister Anthony Smith, “Antigua and Barbuda is excited about this cooperation agreement, that will allow the Ministry of Agriculture to begin the implementation process for a new and innovative AgroALBA project that will transform food crop and poultry production in Antigua and Barbuda.”

This functional cooperation mechanism according to Minister Smith, “will bring benefits to both Antigua and Barbuda, Venezuela and other members of ALBA. It will promote productive investment in the agricultural, livestock and poultry sectors, fostering non-oil exports and incorporating the public and private sectors of both countries”.

The AgroALBA cooperation project is a win/win initiative based on the productive and sustainable development of our countries within a shared geopolitical perspective, promoting the consolidation of economic independence, food sovereignty and security, the eradication of hunger and, consequently, the reduction of poverty, aiming at maximizing the social justice of our nations.

During the signing ceremony Minister Smith highlighted the importance of Agriculture as a sector with the potential to further enhance the economic and social development of Antigua and Barbuda in very significant ways.

“This new cooperation agreement will pave the way for the soon to be implemented chicken production project designed to boost local poultry meat production for local consumption and export.”

Minister Smith further expressed his sincere appreciation to the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and by extension the ALBA alliance for its continued partnership with Antigua and Barbuda.