IICA & MoAFBA TO LAUNCH A REHABITIONAL ANTIGUA BLACK PINEAPPLE PROJECT by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
The Inter-American Institution for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs (MoAFBA) and Caribbean Agricultural Regional Development Institute (CARDI) will soon be launching a Rehabilitation Antigua Black Pineapple Project.
The allocated location for this ex-situ plot under the project is the Ministry’s Agricultural Research Station, located in Cades Bay.
A comprehensive inception meeting with Technicians from various departments within the MoAFBA met with Mr. Craig Thomas-IICA National Specialist and Mr. Bradbury Brown-Consultant (CARDI) addressing the challenges of the Antigua Black Pineapple production at Cades Bay and to strategize on the best way-forward for the implementation of the activities under the project.
The objectives of this project are:
To provide technical and financial support to improve the genetic resources for the Antigua Black Pineapple
To support the Ministry’s Antigua Black Pineapple management programme
To rehabilitate Antigua Black Pineapple production at Cades Bay Pineapple Research Station
To strengthen the laboratory capacity in Antigua and Barbuda pertaining to pineapple
The funding of US$20,000.00 for this project was secured by IICA under its Special Fund for the Caribbean to promote initiatives and actions to support the nations of the region to achieve the goal of reducing their million-dollar food imports by 25% by 2025.
This phase of the project is projected to last for one year, however, it is anticipated that the duration will span over three years which will incorporate the increase of the Antigua Black Pineapple production at a sustainable management level.
Mr. Thomas disclosed, “At present we are in the process of acquiring 13,000 tissue cultured Antigua Black Pineapple plantlets from the Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
He further stated that IICA have been working closely with the technicians to mobilize the transfer of the plantlets to A&B as soon as possible so that CARDI can commence the weaning and hardening process which will take approximately 3-4 months before transplant.
The responsibilities for each partner and technicians within the MoAFBA were discussed, and the activities were outlined and agreed upon.
This initiative responds to the need to strengthen food and nutrition security in Antigua and Barbuda, in an effort to increase local food production, and foster the creation of wealth and economic opportunities in the agricultural sector.
IICA will be collaborating with other key stakeholders which includes Private Pineapple Producers in Antigua and Barbuda, the Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre (St. Vincent & Grenadines), and other key local and regional institutions/agencies.
SOON TO COME IS THE LAUNCH!
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I have to ask, how did the government allow the cades bay pineapple field to fall into such a deplorable state?
Good question.
Wow! This is heartbreaking 💔! How did we get to this.
Buy from overseas? Antigua Black! So what will be the name then?
Maintenance is pivotal for longevity!
May God help us to seriously get to the level sustainability.
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