Agro-Industrial Park at Diamonds to Launch Immediately, Cabinet Says

Agro-Industrial Park at Diamonds to Launch Immediately, Cabinet Says

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has directed that work begin immediately on the Agro-Industrial Park at Diamonds Estate, describing the project as urgent to the country’s food security and economic resilience.

Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant said Cabinet made clear that there should be no delay in moving the project forward.

“The Cabinet says immediate. Immediate work must start,” Merchant said during the weekly Cabinet briefing.

He said the decision reflects the government’s view that food security is a pressing national priority, particularly in light of recent disruptions to shipping and supply chains.

“Food security is very, very serious for the Gaston Browne administration,” Merchant said.

Cabinet was briefed on plans for the Agro-Industrial Park, which is intended to address structural challenges in the agricultural sector, including post-harvest losses, limited value-added processing and supply chain inefficiencies.

Merchant said the facility will focus on priority crops such as cassava, sweet potato, tomatoes, peppers, onions and legumes, with emphasis on modern production systems.

“The park will be developed and will focus on priority crops… with an emphasis on efficient water use, modern irrigation systems, mechanization and post-harvest management,” he said.

The project is also expected to support processing and value-addition, allowing locally grown produce to replace a portion of imported food while improving market access for farmers.

Merchant said the Agro-Industrial Park forms part of a broader strategy that includes increased local production, the provision of equipment to farmers and reductions in duties and taxes on agricultural inputs.

“And so the development of this agro-park, the production of increased certain fruits and vegetables to reduce the import bill… are all part of government’s effort to ensure food security,” he said.

Further details on implementation and access for farmers and agro-businesses are expected to be released as work begins.

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