The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has voiced serious concern over a surge in incidents of vandalism and theft targeting farms and agricultural facilities across Antigua.
Officials say the troubling trend, which includes stolen produce, damaged irrigation systems, and livestock theft, is undermining national food security efforts and discouraging investment in the agricultural sector.
In recent months, farmers from several communities have reported significant losses, including the destruction of crops and the killing or disappearance of animals. The Ministry warned that such actions not only inflict financial hardship on individual farmers but also erode confidence, especially among youth and new entrants to the industry.
Despite major government initiatives to revitalize agriculture through training, modern technology, and infrastructure support, these crimes are posing a growing challenge. “Vandalism in agriculture extends beyond individual loss — it disrupts national production, raises the cost of doing business, and threatens food availability and affordability,” the Ministry said in a statement.
Authorities also noted that the incidents are creating tension in rural communities where livelihoods depend heavily on farming. The Ministry is urging the public to treat agricultural vandalism as a direct attack on the nation’s food supply, not a minor or isolated offense.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities and respect farms and produce. Farmers, meanwhile, are being advised to adopt preventive measures such as improved fencing, lighting, and community watch systems, as well as to document and report all incidents to law enforcement.
The Ministry is now working closely with police and community organizations to strengthen rural patrols and introduce targeted security support for vulnerable farms. Public education campaigns are also being developed to raise awareness about agriculture’s vital role in national development and food security.
Reaffirming its commitment to a safe and sustainable farming environment, the Ministry emphasized that protecting agricultural property is key to reducing the national food import bill and achieving self-sufficiency.
“Every act of cooperation, vigilance, and respect for our farmers strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s resilience,” the statement concluded.
Shoot them end of story
Are you kidding? This kind of discouragement of local farmers keeps us beholden to foreign imports – something that given our current international climate, we should shy away from and try to be more self sustainable!
This should be prosecuted to the highest level and if you catch them vandals, yes shoot them in the butt!
We need to become self sustainable if we are to weather the brewing storm!
Farmers work too hard for thieves to be destroying and stealing their crops. This needs serious penalties.
Is because they dont find these people dead on farms they keep doing that sheeet
There needs to be a coordinated response police, Ministry of Agriculture, and community watch groups working together. Maybe even install motion lights or cameras near the larger farms. Catching one or two culprits would send a strong message
This is heartbreaking farmers work from sunrise to sunset just to see their hard work destroyed or stolen. The authorities need to take these reports seriously. Food security starts with protecting the people who feed us.
I started farming last year with help from the Youth in Agriculture program, but honestly, these reports make me nervous. You invest your time and savings, and then somebody destroy everything overnight. The authorities need to set stronger penalties for farm theft treat it like a serious crime, not mischief.”
Imagine you pregnant and when it is time to make your baby nothing comes out. All through the pregnancy you going through so much, THIS IS THE FARMER. Working hard, sun, hand to the dirty and when its time to eat NADA.
It’s heartbreaking, especially when we’re trying to push for food sustainability and climate resilience. Every destroyed crop or broken irrigation line sets us back months. This is more than theft it’s sabotage against national progress
This is not just about theft; it’s about respect for people’s livelihoods. Agriculture is key to food security, but it’s also part of our culture. We need to rebuild a sense of community if you see something, say something. Too many people turning a blind eye
Man, I hear people say the youth lazy, but plenty of dem trying planting, raising pigs and chickens and then somebody come and mash up the project. If we can’t protect small farmers, who going to feed us when import prices skyrocket?