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By Brent Simon & Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
As the world marks International Plant Health Day (IPHD), we are reminded by the 2025 theme “The Importance of Plant Health in One Health” that plants are more than just the foundation of ecosystems—they are the bedrock of food systems but also play a larger role in our good health, and national resilience.
Further, the theme emphasizesthe interconnectivity that plants health with human, animal and environmental well-being.
For small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda, this observance underscores the urgent need to ensure the good health of plants through smarter, more sustainable use of plant resources.
We as a small nation must remain vigilant on protecting plants for environmental stability, food security and our health.
In addition to Food Security, we realized that Food Sovereignty is the right of people to define their own food systems, prioritizing local agricultural production and culturally appropriate crops.
It goes beyond food security—it is about autonomy, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
As global supply chains become increasingly fragile, the capacity to grow what we eat, process what we produce, and reduce dependency on imports becomes not just strategic, but essential.
Across Antigua and Barbuda, efforts are already underway to shift the narrative.
From climate-smart farming techniques to increased investment in local seed varieties and water-saving technologies, the agricultural sector is steadily positioning itself as a driver of innovation and resilience.
These actions not only support national food production—they also restore confidence in traditional crops and local knowledge systems that have sustained our communities for generations.
While food remains at the heart of this agenda, we must also acknowledge the expanding role of medicinal plants within a modern agricultural framework.
The controlled and research-backed cultivation of medical cannabis offers a new avenue for diversification—supporting livelihoods, research opportunities, and the broader health sector.
While not the focus of today’s observance, it is a reminder that the power of plants extends well beyond the plate.
International Plant Health Day (IPHD) is not simply about celebrating flora—it is a moment to reflect on how strategic plant use can support broader national development goals.
It is a call to invest in policies, partnerships, and people that prioritize local production, strengthen rural economies, and safeguard our natural resources.
In reclaiming control over our food systems and renewing our relationship with the land, we affirm a deeper kind of independence—one rooted not just in heritage, but in a more secure and self-reliant future.
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How many times have we had these announcements with little follow-through?
Any updates on what crops are currently most at risk in Antigua and Barbuda?
Please invest in research and tech for agriculture, not just celebrations.
Pest control is no joke. One bad season can ruin everything for small farmers.
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