The _Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)_ has extended warm congratulations to *Michael Joseph, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY), who was named the *_CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025_ during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture held in St. Kitts.
In a statement, the OECS hailed Joseph as a “trailblazer for agricultural innovation and sustainability in the region,” commending his pioneering use of *spray drone technology, **water-saving systems, and *_natural farming methods_ to modernize food production across the Eastern Caribbean.
Joseph’s journey has inspired many across the region. During the awards ceremony at the *St. Kitts Marriott Resort, he shared how he began his agricultural career walking *_four miles daily_ to his farm and using _recycled plastic bottles_ for irrigation. His perseverance and creativity, OECS officials said, reflect the resilience and ingenuity that characterize the region’s youth.
“An investment in young farmers is an investment in food, and an investment in food is an investment in life itself,” Joseph told delegates during his address.
Operating on just over *one and a half acres, Joseph uses *_no-till methods_ and other _sustainable practices_ that allow him to produce _twice the average yield per acre_ compared to traditional farms. His two spray drones have reduced labour, water, and chemical use by more than _50 percent_ , while boosting efficiency and crop coverage.
The OECS said Joseph’s success underscores the vital role of young people in building climate-smart and resilient food systems across the Caribbean. His achievement, the organization noted, exemplifies how innovation and sustainability can work hand in hand to secure the region’s agricultural future.
The *Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2025, which concluded on **Saturday, October 4, featured technical sessions, policy dialogues, and exhibitions focusing on **food security, **climate-smart agriculture, and *_regional cooperation_.
