The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) is on course to launch a full suite of agricultural programmes at its School of Agriculture in September, as refurbishment and restructuring works at the former Glanvilles Secondary School advance toward completion.

Cabinet received a detailed presentation on Wednesday from the head of ABCAS on the progress being made to transform the facility into a functioning agricultural training institution.

Cabinet was informed that the school is currently offering a series of short courses aimed at equipping participants with practical agricultural skills, with students having showcased produce from their training, including fruits, vegetables and eggs, before the Cabinet.

Minister of Education and Science and Technology Daryll Matthew visited the Glanvilles School of Agriculture on Monday, meeting with staff and observing operations firsthand.

Minister Matthew said participants in the school’s 10-week Agricultural Production Program are nearing graduation, describing the staff as playing a vital role in developing skills, advancing agricultural education and strengthening food security in Antigua and Barbuda.

Works underway at the site include the refurbishment of a chemistry laboratory, the build-out of a new biology laboratory with upgraded water, gas and electrical systems, electrical upgrades, installation of energy-efficiency lighting, improvements to roofing and drainage systems, painting works and the installation of additional air conditioning and laboratory exhaust infrastructure.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew

Cabinet committed on Wednesday that whatever funding is required to complete the upgrades and ready the institution for September will be provided by the government.

Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet’s commitment to the School of Agriculture is tied to a broader push toward food self-sufficiency at a time of global economic instability.

He pointed to disruptions in international shipping, rising fuel costs and ongoing conflicts as factors driving government’s urgency around domestic food production.

“Government recognises that it must push the self-sufficiency agenda and hence agriculture,” Merchant said. “And that’s why focus is being placed on this School of Agriculture.”

He added that the Ministry of Agriculture offers programmes providing land access to individuals serious about farming, and that government has invested in agricultural equipment, including two new abattoirs.

One of those abattoirs has already arrived on island, with preparations underway to assemble it for use by the sector.

Merchant said campaigns to encourage backyard gardening and broader participation in farming are also forthcoming from the Ministry of Agriculture as part of government’s national food security drive.