Gaston Browne administration planning major agriculture symposium to Boost Food Production and Support Farmers

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne Announces Plans to Boost Food Production and Support Farmers

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled ambitious plans aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector to enhance food production and support local farmers.

In a recent interview on Pointe Xpress, Prime Minister Browne highlighted the importance of making food production a national priority and encouraging broader participation in farming.

“Literally, I’m trying to make this issue of food production a political issue,” stated Prime Minister Browne. “When it comes to feeding a nation, we should have the participation of as many people as possible. No one is too big to be a farmer.”

The Prime Minister emphasized his efforts to destigmatize farming, noting that many individuals are now expressing interest in agriculture.

To address the issue of unused land and facilitate access for serious farmers, Prime Minister Browne announced plans to establish an agricultural trust.

This trust will redistribute unproductive land to individuals committed to farming, thereby promoting food security and addressing land accessibility challenges.

“We plan to get all of the land that is not in production into an agricultural trust and redistribute them to serious people,” Prime Minister Browne explained. “There are people who are serious about getting into farming but can’t get any land because others are tying up acres of land without farming it.”

In line with these initiatives, Prime Minister Browne revealed plans for an upcoming agricultural symposium, scheduled to take place before the end of May.

The symposium will bring together farmers to develop a holistic strategy for increasing food production. Additionally, the government will consider additional incentives and support measures to bolster the agricultural sector.

“I’m of the view that whatever incentives are within the means of the government, we should support our farmers to increase food production,” stated Prime Minister Browne. “We’re not only targeting farmers but also inviting wealthier individuals and businesspeople to consider backward integration in farming to partner with serious farmers and boost production.”

To further support farmers, the government has allocated funds to acquire additional farming equipment, including tractors, to assist with land preparation and maintenance. Prime Minister Browne also highlighted efforts to address water supply challenges by constructing dams on various farms, essential for successful farming operations.

“We recognize the importance of water in farming, and we’re assisting farmers in building water catchments on their farms,” Prime Minister Browne noted. “This includes major dam projects in Tab Hill Garden and the Sanderson area, aimed at ensuring consistent water supply for agricultural activities.”

The upcoming agricultural symposium and investment in equipment and infrastructure demonstrate the government’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector, promoting food security, and supporting the livelihoods of local farmers. Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the symposium and collaborate on strategies to enhance food production in Antigua and Barbuda.

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