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BY- Brent Simon
The Honourable Anthony Smith jr., Minister of Agriculture Lands Fisheries and the Blue Economy and senior ministry officials met today, to engage in a strategic meeting with representatives from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
Among the attendees from the ministry were Mr. Walter Christopher/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gregory Bailey / Director of Agriculture, and other departmental heads.
The discussion highlighted several challenges faced in the agricultural sector while identifying strategic ways to address these and support the sector in Antigua and Barbuda.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Craig Thomas/IICA National Specialist, who gave a short presentation on the technical support currently being offered by IICA to the Ministry of Agriculture’s key priority areas.
In his brief remarks, Hon. Anthony Smith, thanked IICA for the continued support offered to Antigua and Barbuda and voiced his commitment to rejuvenating the agricultural sector.
The minister also acknowledged, Mr. Craig Thomas, and recognized the role that he has played in development of agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.
Mr. Greg Rawlins / IICA ECS Representative, thanked the minister for accommodating what he described as a unique opportunity to re-engage, listen to critical issues and identify sustainable responses.
The feature presentation was given by Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim/Director for Technical Cooperation (IICA), who presented on the “Direction of Technical Cooperation Hemispheric Programs” and shared areas of IICA’s interest in:
Strengthening Technical Cooperation
Enhancing capacity building programs for farmers, extension officers and agri-business stakeholders.
Expanding IICA’s technical assistance in areas such as soil management, irrigation technology, and digital agriculture.
Leveraging data-driven approaches to support evidence based agricultural policies.
Alignment with Hemispheric Agricultural Programs
Climate resilience and water resource management – integrating solutions to address drought and climate variability.
Food security and nutrition – reinforcing sustainable food production systems
Innovation and technology transfer – promoting smart agricultural solutions, including precision farming and greenhouse technology.
Youth and Women in Agriculture – fostering entrepreneurship and inclusive participation in the sector.
Mr. Gregory Bailey presented a general overview of the issues impacting the agricultural sector listing among several, the high rate of employee turnover in farm labour.
He cited that this was due to several factors a primary one being, the focus on the tourism and service industry which although seasonal is deemed more attractive by many seeking employment.
Further he commended the success of the Egg Industry, in Antigua remarking that our local suppliers were able to provide 90% of the eggs consumed in Antigua and Barbuda last year.
Additional presentations were given by the Fisheries and Blue Economy Division.
The Fisheries Division was represented by Mr. Mark Archibald/Senior Fisheries Officer, who gave some insight into the fishing industry in Antigua and Barbuda which included addressing the necessity to maintain compliance with the export standards of the EU and other countries.
He also highlighted the opportunities that exist within the fishing industry taking into consideration the untapped specie that are marketable to enhance fisheries production.
Ms. Marver Woodley – Assistant to the Director, Department of the Blue Economy, emphasized on the lack of key legislation within the Blue-Economy. While presenting, she identified several areas that the division is focused on.
The division is committed to promoting and advancing the socio-economic sustainable use of the nation’s marine resources.
Dr. Curt Delise/IICA Special Affairs Coordinator for the Caribbean Region lent his expertise throughout the session on issues related to regional implementation.
He shared that the funding process can be streamlined when all partners are aware of their responsibilities and fulfill them. He encouraged continued commitment to collaboration efforts and youth development in the region.
The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector through enhanced technical cooperation and strategic alignment with hemispheric programs.
Moving forward, both parties will collaborate on concrete action plans to accelerate agricultural development, improve resilience, and ensure food security for the nation.
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