Minister of Agriculture Anthony Smith Jr
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MALFBE) has officially launched the Backyard Gardening (BYG) Competition, reinforcing the government’s drive to boost local food production and strengthen national food security.
The launch took place on Tuesday, December 16, during a press conference at the Point Wharf Fisheries Complex and was chaired by Head of the Ministry’s Communications Unit, Carol Faye Bynoe-George.
In welcome remarks, Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher said the initiative is aimed at reducing Antigua and Barbuda’s dependence on imported food while providing households with an important layer of social and economic protection. He explained that backyard and community gardening help families withstand periods of economic uncertainty and rising global food prices.
Mr. Christopher described the programme as both timely and commendable, noting that the long-term objective is for every household in the twin-island state to establish a backyard garden. He revealed that more than 600 households have already registered.
Director of Agriculture Gregory Bailey, in outlining the project’s scope, said backyard gardening has grown into a structured national movement. He noted that the initiative dates back to 2008 and that by 2015 approximately 450 backyard gardeners were registered. Today, the Agricultural Extension Division manages a database of nearly 700 active gardeners.
Bailey highlighted that the practice is celebrated annually on April 21 as National Backyard Garden Day and has evolved beyond household food security. Some gardeners, he said, have gone on to establish cottage agro-processing businesses, while in Barbuda, backyard gardens played a critical role in recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.
He added that implementation of the current competition is already underway, with planting materials being sourced and registration ongoing. Full details of the judging criteria are expected to be announced shortly.
Feature remarks were delivered by Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Anthony Smith Jr., who announced that the competition has been rebranded as part of the “Plant2Plate Antigua and Barbuda Initiative.”
The Minister pointed to the country’s heavy reliance on imported food as a major vulnerability and stressed the importance of strengthening local food systems. He explained that the theme, “Homegrown Today, Food Secured Tomorrow,” reflects the goal of transforming backyards into productive spaces that support families, communities and the national economy.
Minister Smith also announced enhanced incentives and prize money, along with the introduction of a new optional category, the “Cook What You Grow” Culinary Showcase. The addition will allow participants to prepare dishes using produce grown in their own gardens, highlighting the journey from production to consumption.
During the ceremony, the Minister unveiled the new Plant2Plate logo, describing it as a symbol of collective commitment to a more food-secure and self-reliant Antigua and Barbuda.
Further details on the competition were provided by BYG Committee Chairperson Marcelle Freeland, who also delivered the vote of thanks. She recognised backyard garden facilitators Efuru Elihu and Ayo Simon, staff of the Agricultural Extension Division and other committee members for their contributions.
The launch concluded with a call for national participation, encouraging citizens to play their part in building a greener and more resilient Antigua and Barbuda, one yard, one plate, one nation.
Competition aside, the real win is teaching people to feed themselves.