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Government Considers Recruiting Haitian Workers to Boost Farming

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Government considers Haitian agricultural workers to boost domestic food production

The Government is considering recruiting agricultural workers from Haiti to help Antigua and Barbuda expand domestic food production.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said local agriculture faces two major constraints: water and labour. While new ponds and dams are expected to improve water access, additional workers may have to be recruited from overseas.

Browne, who was speaking on his weekly program Saturday night, said Antigua and Barbuda previously benefited from agricultural workers from Guyana and other parts of the region, but that source of labour is no longer as readily available because those countries need farmers of their own.

The possible recruitment of Haitians is still under consideration and was presented as one part of a broader strategy rather than a finalised programme.

Training will also be central to the expansion. Browne said agriculture must be treated as both a science and a business, with producers taught modern methods, water conservation, appropriate irrigation and commercial planning.

He noted that newer technologies, including artificial intelligence and other scientific tools, can help farmers determine how much water crops require and avoid oversaturating soil.

The Prime Minister said consistent production should be commercially viable because the country already spends more than a quarter-billion Eastern Caribbean dollars annually on imported food.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/08/30/government-considers-recruiting-haitian-workers-to-boost-farming. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (6)

  • Listening Post August 30, 2026, 10:20 AM

    Why hatian…..Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent those are more practical
    ….
    Reply

  • Stop it August 30, 2026, 10:54 AM

    How big is Antigua, praying no break out in Antigua, we already sitting on each other, takes almost a hour to make it into town, African, Haitians every min amnesty tarl man what all you doing, you want to tell me no body in Antigua wants to do agriculture, teach junior college in the evening classes
    Reply

  • Island girl August 30, 2026, 1:01 PM

    How about helping the farmers already working the land with access to water and a little subsidising. Farmers receive gov. subsidies in most countries around the world.
    Reply

  • Apex Jones August 30, 2026, 8:42 PM

    I endorse the importation of the Haitians. These people got us out of slavery and for some reason we can’t seem to want to help them but all you don’t mind deportees
    Reply

  • Informed citizen August 31, 2026, 7:12 PM

    Well, if they come to work and help boost the farming sector, welcome. We need to get agriculture moving for true
    Reply

    • Civic Minded August 31, 2026, 7:13 PM

      Before bringing in more workers, shouldn’t we also look at why locals aren’t filling these farming jobs? There may be more to the problem.
      Reply

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