Cabinet Targets 15% Cut in Food Imports Through Expanded Local Production
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has endorsed a national strategy aimed at reducing selected food imports by 15% through expanded local agricultural production, in line with the CARICOM “25 by 2025 plus five” food security initiative.
Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant said Cabinet approved proposals from agriculture officials outlining a phased approach to import substitution, focusing on livestock, root crops and vegetables.
“The proposal was informed that Antigua and Barbuda has adopted the 15% target as a realistic and achievable milestone towards strengthening food security, improving farmer resilience, and supporting rural employment,” Merchant said during the weekly Cabinet briefing.
Cabinet was told that increased domestic production could significantly reduce the country’s import bill, particularly in livestock.
“It believes that about 1,200 heads of livestock, representing about $1.7 million imported, can be reduced and produced here in Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.
The strategy targets priority commodities including onions, tomatoes, sweet peppers, cassava, sweet potatoes, sheep and swine, with an emphasis on expanding production and replacing imports in those categories.
“The increased production of sheep and swine will make a significant dent in the import bill of the government of Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.
The plan is built around production expansion, enhanced farmer support, access to financing, youth engagement and innovation, as well as strengthening marketing and supply chains. Cabinet was also briefed on related initiatives, including the development of an agro-industrial park at Diamonds Estate to support processing, value addition and post-harvest management.
Merchant said Cabinet views food security as a critical national issue and has directed agriculture officials to move quickly with implementation.
“Food security is a very, very serious matter for the Gaston Browne administration,” he said.
The measures form part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on imported food, strengthen resilience against external supply disruptions and support the long-term sustainability of Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector.
