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In a decisive move to bolster the nation’s food security and sovereignty, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has placed significant emphasis on these issues amid rising concerns over potential trade wars that could disrupt both the cost and supply of food.
With the country relying on imports for over 90% of its food consumption and spending upwards of $200 million annually on food imports from North America, the need for a sustainable food production strategy has never been clearer.
Recognizing the vulnerability of the current system, the Cabinet has set forth plans to increase local food production. A vital component of this initiative is the commitment to make more land available to farmers who possess the necessary capital and expertise.
One key area of focus is the Diamonds Estate, a substantial expanse of more than 200 acres, which currently has only a small fraction of its land in production, despite 80 acres being fenced and ready for cultivation.
Officials have expressed a strong commitment to enhance and expand the utilization of this state-owned farmland as part of their strategic efforts to strengthen local agriculture.
By empowering local farmers and facilitating increased production, the government aims to reduce the country’s dependency on imports, thereby improving food security for all citizens.
This proactive approach could pave the way for a more resilient food system, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda can better withstand global market fluctuations and safeguard its citizens’ access to essential food supplies.
….of course, the government also realizes that it’s not going to do any of the above, not now, maybe not ever..why am I saying this? Because they have been making these same promises since, during and after covid ,and what did they do? Demolish the Dunbar’s agricultural station and cleared the land for a housing development
It’s great to see Antigua and Barbuda taking action to ensure food security! With everything going on in the world, it makes sense to focus on growing our own food and not being too reliant on other countries. It’s really important for keeping food available and affordable for everyone!
Food security is a musssss . Gaston Browne to the world!!!
I’ve been saying this way before 47 got in office. Food security is a must. We must always be able to feed ourselves. I’d rather eat some boiled potatoes and lemonade made with freshly picked lemons from my own tree than all that poison any way.
Kudos to you Gaston. Utilize the unused lands. Help where you can. Give where you can. Leave your mark. Your legacy will live on.
Diamonds Estate could be a game-changer. It’s frustrating to see so much unused land when it could be helping our local farmers. Hopefully, this will make a real difference. I? mean why have all these lands and no use to it huh? I also hope that this plan could help reduce the cost of food in the long run. If we grow more of our own, we won’t be as dependent on fluctuating global prices. And as Gaston said, “eat what you grow”