FAO Digital Solutions Workshop by Brent Simon

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands Fisheries and the Blue Economy, on Monday 13, October hosted a national workshop on digital solutions for horticultural crop management.
The training, held at the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), brought together nearly sixty (60), extension officers, farmers, backyard gardeners, and technical officers from the Ministry for hands-on sessions in digital agriculture and soil mapping.
The activity forms part of the FAO FVC Digital Solutions Project, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacity to manage data for improved decision-making across the fruit and vegetable value chain (FVC). The project introduces innovative tools and technologies that help countries collect, analyze, and share agricultural data in real time—enhancing the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of small- and medium-scale farming operations.
Mr. Ika Fergus, FAO National Correspondent, pointed out,
“Part of our plan going forward is to deploy our extension officers to conduct soil analysis at the Agricultural district level on farms for Bonafide, active farmers in hopes of generating immediate, recommendations that can lead to improvement in crop production and yield.”
Mr. Adrian Bowen, is FAO National Focal Point for this project. He emphasized that the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between traditional farming and digital transformation by equipping agricultural stakeholders with practical knowledge in data management, crop monitoring, and soil information systems.
The key focus of the workshop was soil mapping integration—a modern approach that combines field data, laboratory analyses, and satellite imagery to create detailed maps of soil types, fertility, and suitability. Through this process, farmers and technicians can better understand the variability of their soils and make informed decisions on crop selection, fertilizer use, irrigation planning, and land management.
According to facilitators, these digital mapping tools will allow the Ministry to build a national soil information system, supporting not only horticultural development but also broader agricultural planning and climate resilience. Participants were also trained to upload and interpret data collected from their respective districts, ensuring that the technology is practical and community-centered.
The workshop continued with interactive sessions and a live demonstrations of Soil Mapping and Agricultural Drone Technology highlighting how innovation and information technology are transforming the way food is grown, managed, and marketed in Antigua and Barbuda.

World Food Day 2025 Activities Continue with Backyard Gardening Workshop by Shenequa Williams

As part of the World Food Day 2025 Calendar of Activities, the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy in collaboration with key partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum for Youth (ABAFY), the World Food Day (WFD) Committee, and the Agricultural Extension Division (AED), hosted an engaging Backyard Gardening Workshop on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the AED Headquarters on Kentish Road.

Held in observance of World Food Day 2025 under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food for a Better Life,” the workshop aimed to empower citizens to strengthen household food security and nutrition through practical training on how to grow their own produce, even in limited spaces.

Ika Fergus/FAO Correspondent officially opened the workshop by welcoming participants and outlining the day’s objectives and activities. He emphasized the importance of equipping households with sustainable skills that contribute to national food resilience.

Delivering remarks, Gregory Bailey/Director of Agriculture, highlighted that backyard gardening is “more than just a lifestyle.” He described it as a source of mental relief, improved nutrition, and community well-being. Bailey also encouraged gardeners to select plant species whose seeds can be reused, promoting sustainability and cost savings.

Walter Christopher/Permanent Secretary, also addressed participants, stressing the importance of food independence and national resilience. “Eat what you grow, not grow what you eat,” he said, noting that Antigua and Barbuda consumes an estimated 150 pounds of chicken per person each year, a figure that underscores the need for increased local food production.

The workshop featured informative presentations covering various aspects of backyard farming and sustainable production techniques:

  • Junior Greene of CARDI provided insights into local agricultural innovation and support available for small-scale growers.
  • Bradbury Browne of GRO TECH demonstrated effective, low-cost irrigation and water-saving techniques that can help farmers and home gardeners increase production while conserving water
  • Apiculturist Jamaul Philip, who has been involved in beekeeping for over a decade, shared fascinating information on the importance of bees and the benefits of apiculture, including pollination, honey production, and ongoing research suggesting that bee venom could have potential therapeutic applications such as aiding in breast cancer treatment.
  • Oneicia Anthony made a detailed presentation on pest and disease identification, teaching participants how to recognize, prevent, and manage common threats to garden crops.

The event successfully blended knowledge-sharing, community spirit, and national development goals, reflecting the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to encourage citizens to contribute to food security through sustainable backyard gardening practices.

 

Workshop on Building Capacity for Sustainable Seed Management and Conservation by Brent Simon

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, hosted a one-day workshop that concentrated on building a sustainable, high-quality seed management and conservation programme for the Caribbean with a strong emphasis on disaster preparedness and post-disaster recovery.

The event—part of a wider regional initiative—brought together technical officers, extension staff, and agricultural stakeholders as well as a female farmer who traveled from neibouring Monsterrat, to cover the core principles of seed production, seed conservation, and integrated pest management, all through the practical lens of helping farmers recover quickly following hurricanes, droughts and other climate shocks.

Facilitating the session was Mr. Junior Greene, CARDI’s Representative for Antigua, Barbuda and Montserrat. The principal lecturer was Ms. Omaira Avila Rostant, Biotechnologist at CARDI Belize, who led technical modules on seed production fundamentals, seed drying and processing, post-harvest handling, viability testing, and methods to protect varietal integrity. Ms. Rostant’s practical demonstrations emphasized hands-on techniques suitable for national and community seed systems, including simple, low-cost approaches that can be deployed rapidly after a disaster.

The workshop also featured an online presentation by Mr. Luis Guillermo Santos, Curator for bean production and seed conservation at the CIAT genebank. Mr. Santos outlined ex-situ conservation workflows—accessioning, long-term storage protocols, viability testing and digital record-keeping—and explained how coordinated links between local community seed banks and international genebanks accelerate recovery and preserve genetic diversity. He answered participant questions via live chat and a focused Q&A session.

In his remarks, Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, underscored the program’s central premise: “Without access to viable, high-quality genetic material, all other inputs—fertilizer, irrigation and land preparation—are rendered ineffective.” Mr. Craig Thomas, IICA National Specialist, reinforced the operational focus of the initiative, outlining plans to improve seed storage and propagation facilities so farmers can rebound quickly, and noting an innovative component: the use of heavy-lifting drones to assist rapid response during the hurricane season.

CARDI — Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (regional agricultural research and technical support).

IICA — Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (regional cooperation and technical assistance organization for agriculture in the Americas).

CIAT — International Center for Tropical Agriculture (a CGIAR centre focused on tropical agriculture; operates genebank facilities for ex-situ conservation).

 

Enhancing the Citrus Industry in Antigua & Barbuda by Tyreke G. Thomas-Horsford

Report on Day 1
Venue: Multipurpose Center
Facilitator: Dr. Lennox Andrew
Day One of Citrus Day commenced at the Multipurpose Center with an informative and interactive session led by Dr. Lennox Andrew, an agricultural specialist with extensive expertise in citrus development.
Presentation Highlights
Dr. Andrew began by introducing participants to the importance of grafting in citrus production, explaining how the technique improves plant resilience, yield potential, and overall productivity. He went on to highlight the critical challenge posed by Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly referred to as citrus greening disease. This disease, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, is regarded as one of the most destructive citrus diseases worldwide. It affects the tree’s ability to transport nutrients, leading to yellow shoots, misshapen fruit, decline in productivity, and eventual tree death.
Practical Session
To reinforce the knowledge gained, participants were divided into three groups, each assigned to examine different citrus trees. The exercise allowed them to:
  • Observe physical signs such as leaf color, fruit condition, and branch structure.
  • Discuss differences between healthy and potentially infected trees.
  • Identify early symptoms that may indicate the presence of HLB or other stresses.
  • Share group findings with the wider audience for comparison and learning.
Key Takeaways
Grafting as a critical tool – essential for establishing stronger and more productive citrus plants.
Awareness of Hunaglongbing (HLB) – participants gained a deeper understanding of how to identify symptoms and why early detection is vital.
Hands-on learning – the field-based group activity encouraged active participation, peer-to-peer exchange, and practical application of knowledge.
Foundation for next sessions – the insights from Day One set the stage for further exploration of citrus production practices and disease management in the days ahead.

Sweet discussions on Sweet Potato by Keairra Smith

The session opened with a moment of reverence and national pride as Mr. Junior Greene, CARDI Representative for Antigua and Montserrat, gave opening remarks. He spoke about the potential of local agriculture, particularly the sweet potato sector, saying, “We’re helping share a future where local crops like sweet potato will strive.”

Mr. Gregory Bailey/Director of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, then delivered remarks. With a sense of optimism, “I wish all of you a very productive session,” encouraging participants to engage fully in the discussions and presentations ahead.  Mr. Bailey followed up by highlighting the project’s progress over the years. “This project has been in action for the last four years, and we’d like to present some of the results from this program,”

Dr. Oral Daley, Project Lead from the Department of Food Production at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, then took the floor. “This is my first time in your lovely country,” he said speaking directly to the youth in the room, he added, “When I see young people like you involved in agriculture, I advise you to stay on the right path.”

From there, the session opened for comments and questions. Ms. Denise Besai, CARDI Communication Specialist, emphasized the importance of efficiency and growth, posing the challenge: “How do we become more productive and expand productivity?”

Mr. Reginald Andall, Project Coordinator, addressed one of the more practical topics of the day, funding. “Money is the answer to everything,” he said, noting that the project was made possible through a USD $600,000 grant from the Caribbean Development Bank.

During the Q&A session, participants raised questions about project spending and impact. When asked if there had been a breakthrough, Mr. Andall shared that “roughly 8% was spent”.

Health benefits of sweet potato were also brought to light. Mr. Junior Greene reminded attendees, “Sweet potato can reduce diabetes and heart failure.” He reinforced a call “Eat what we grow.”

Additionally, Mr. Craig Thomas/IICA National Specialist added that “there has been a number of projects coming through focusing on sweet potato,” indicating growing interest in the crop across the region.

Mr. Ika Furgus/FAO Nnational Correspondent, summed up the mood by saying, “We look forward to a productive and insightful session,” capturing the collective hope for progress.

Mrs. Nicolette Francis stated a critical point: “It’s not only about growing, but eating what we grow,”

The first formal presentation came from Mr. Reginald Andall, who covered Component #1 of the project. He emphasized the growing importance of sweet potato, noting that it’s now the fifth most important crop in developing countries. The project aimed to assess the status of the sweet potato value chain and explore both regional and international market challenges and opportunities. This was achieved through a detailed on-the-ground survey, stakeholder mapping, and an online environmental analysis.

Key production statistics (according to FAO data) included:

  • Jamaica: 57,485 mt
  • Haiti: 56,281.86 mt
  • St. Vincent: 2,020.62 mt
  • Antigua and Barbuda: 124.19 mt

Popular varieties identified during the research included Black Rock, Mandela, OKAI#1, King’s Crown, Hurricane, and Beauregard, with King’s Crown standing out as the preferred variety. Among the project’s recommendations was Result #4: to institute a national campaign promoting sweet potato’s health benefits and ensuring food safety practices to support public health and trade facilitation.

Dr. Oral Daley then presented Component #2, which focused on morphological characterization of five preferred cultivars. The study was conducted from July to December 2024 as part of the Regional Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Value Chain Enhancement and Technology Transfer Project.

The objectives were two-fold:

  • To characterize the five preferred sweet potato cultivars using standardized morphological descriptors
  • To show relationships among them based on those features

Some of the findings included:

  1. Predominant Vine Color similarities –

Black Rock & King Crown

  1. Secondary vine color (Green base)

Even

  1. Vine tip hairiness

Even

  1. Average mature leaf size (cm)

Black rock has the largest & hurricane has the smallest

  • Petiole length (cm): Hurricane – 20.00 | Black Rock – 9.00
  • Leaf lobe numbers showed similarities among Black Rock, Hurricane, and King’s Crown, with Beauregard and Mandela being more similar
  • Tuber diameter (cm): Black Rock – 3.00 | Hurricane – 3.50 | King’s Crown – 13.00 | Beauregard – 4.00 | Mandela – 6.00
  • Tuber length (cm): Black Rock – 25.00 | Hurricane – 20.00 | King’s Crown – 7.00 | Beauregard – 19.00 | (Mandela data not completed)

The next presentation, Component #3, was led by Ms. Denise Besai, focusing on communication tools for agriculture extension. Her topic: Development of Agriculture Extension Multi-Media Aids for the Sweet Potato Industry.  She stressed the need to present Components 1 and 2 in simple, accessible formats for farmers, processors, and the wider public. Sweet potato, she noted, is a priority crop for governments across the region in their efforts to reduce the Caribbean’s $6 billion food import bill.

Key gaps and opportunities included:

  • A significant yield gap between actual and potential production
  • Trade opportunities with countries like Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and The Bahamas
  • Underutilization of the entire plant
  • Untapped potential for positioning sweet potato as a versatile, healthy crop in local and international markets

The component’s objectives were to:

  • Improve awareness of sweet potato’s health benefits and versatility
  • Create digital information products in user-friendly formats to support better production and consumption

Among the outputs were educational videos, photography, and a sweet potato recipe book titled Sweet Potato Bites.

Ms. Besai also addressed the region’s health crisis. Statistics: Non-communicable diseases account for 75% of all deaths in the Caribbean. Barbados alone loses USD $75 million annually due to lost productivity (World Bank 2024). And perhaps most alarming — 1 in 3 children in the Caribbean are overweight, a fact heavily linked to poor diet and inactivity.

With that, the session began to draw to a close. The presenters and audience alike left with a deeper understanding of the potential locked within the sweet potato, not just as a crop, but as a tool for economic development, health improvement, and regional improvement.

Black Gold Rising: 11,000 Antigua Black Pineapples Now Planted at Cades Bay by Brent Simon

Cades Bay, Antigua – July 10, 2025

The revival of Antigua’s national fruit has hit another milestone: Eleven thousand (11,000) disease-free Antigua Black pineapple clones are now planted in the soil at Cades Bay Agricultural Station.

The final thousand (1,000) plantlets were planted today, completing the propagation phase under the Ministry of Agriculture’s rehabilitation project is  an IICA initiative, supported by CARDI, regional plant labs and other partners.

Mr. Craig Thomas, IICA’s Representative, stated that he was pleased with the progress made. “It’s good to see this phase completed. But we’re not out of the woods—literally. Weed growth has been a persistent challenge,” he said.

Thomas wasn’t alone in his concern. Mr. Bradbury Browne, a senior technician attached to the project, also raised red flags. “Weeds are one issue, but just as urgent is the need for tighter control of nutrient feeding. These plants won’t reach full potential unless we’re precise with how they’re fed.”

Jahmal Ralph, Station Manager at Cades Bay, is now tasked with leading the team through the critical maintenance phase—managing growth, monitoring plant health, and addressing field-level issues before distribution to farmers can begin later this year.

Both Thomas and Browne agreed that field management needs tightening to protect the investment. The next few months will determine whether the groundwork laid so far translates into healthy crops and eventual island-wide planting.

This effort to restore the Antigua Black pineapple—renowned globally for its sweetness and cultural symbolism—is the most comprehensive since its decline began decades ago. If successful, it will not only revive a heritage crop but reinvigorate local agriculture with export potential.

May be an image of 1 person, cold frame and seedlings   May be an image of 1 person, cold frame, seedlings and grass  May be an image of 1 person, seedlings and grass

Project Update – Sweet Potato Project Takes Root: Local Varieties Shipped to USDA for Clean-Up and Research

As part of the significant milestone for agricultural development in Antigua and Barbuda, the Sweet Potato Project has officially entered a new phase. On, Tuesday 8th April], the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in collaboration with the Agricultural Extension Division (AED), Plant Protection Unit (PPU) within the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), successfully shipped the first three sweet potato accessions to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The varieties—Hurricane, Black Rock, and King Crown—were selected for their potential and contribution to local food security. Once in the U.S., these accessions will undergo a process known as “clean-up” in USDA laboratories. This process involves eliminating any pests, diseases, or viruses that could affect crop productivity. Once cleared, the clean planting material will be returned to Antigua and Barbuda for planting in research plots located at Cades Bay and CARDI.

This initiative is an important step toward strengthening food systems, improving crop resilience, and preserving valuable local varieties.

A special thank you goes out to the local producers who generously donated planting material to support this project. Their contribution highlights the power of community collaboration in advancing agricultural research and sustainability: which is ultimately aimed at Food Sovereignty and Food Security.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Sweet Potato Project continues to grow—rooted in science, nurtured by the ministry, partners, stakeholders and the wider community.

         

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

Ferti-Irrigation Systems Installed at Cades Bay Agricultural Station by Brent Simon

The ongoing rehabilitation efforts at Cades Bay have reached another significant milestone with the installation of ferti-irrigation systems. This crucial upgrade will enhance the efficiency of crop cultivation by enabling direct injection of fertilizers into the irrigation system.

Mr. Bradbury Browne, the Irrigation Specialist overseeing the project, made emphasis on the importance of this installation. “We are at a significant point in the project. We are now able to inject the fertilizer directly into the system, which will definitely make the growing process more efficient.

Mr. Craig Thomas of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) also expressed his satisfaction with the projects progress. He noted, “We can now focus more on the planting aspect of the project which is what will give us the root stock of the rebirthed Antigua Black.”

The rehabilitation of the Pineapple crop at the Cades Bay station, continues to make a great impact on the future increase of readily available planting materials for local producers, which is the main objective of this phase of the project. For the first time at the station, a fertilizer system was installed, aiding the administering of soluble fertilizers to the plants and eliminating antiquated methods of fertilizer application.

The project continues to highlight modern innovative technologies that local producers can adapt to support the overall agricultural sector, not only for pineapple but for other commodities. Several activities are planned for 2025, including the transplanting of another 5,000 plantlets in April and another 1,000 in June. Additionally, with financial support from the Antigua and Barbuda government, plans are in place to ship 50 Antigua Black Pineapple suckers to the tissue culture lab in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in March. This will result in the multiplication of 20,000 tissue culture plantlets, expected to return to Antigua before the end of 2025. These suckers will be sourced from several local Antigua Black Pineapple producers who will directly benefit from this phase of the project.

Since the start of the project, over 4,000 Antigua Black Pineapples have been planted at the Cades Bay Station. The Ministry of Agriculture is partnering with IICA, which is coordinating the activities under the project also collaborating on this project locally are CARDI and FAO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARDI HOSTED STUDENTS FROM AGS AND GSS by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

One of the activities hosted by CARDI in commemoration of CARDI Day 2024 was the newly installed hydroponic system.  On Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th students from the Antigua Grammar School and the Glanvilles Secondary School (respectively) paid visits to the CARDI for a demonstration on the hydroponic processes and the system that was installed.

Additionally, the students were received information pertaining to deficiencies in plants.   CARDI DAY is observed on 5th December annually and this year marked their fiftieth (50) anniversary.

 

 

 

 

 

5000 New Plantlets Arrive to Boost Antigua Black Rehabilitation Project   by Brent Simon

The iconic Antigua Black known as the sweetest pineapple in the world, is gaining new momentum through a revitalization project funded and spearheaded by Inter-American Institute on Agriculture (IICA) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and CARDI. Another milestone was achieved last Thursday 29th November with the arrival of Five Thousand (5000) tissue cultured plantlets from the Orange Hill Biotechnology Canter in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The last 5000 plantlets are expected in January,2025.

These plantlets are the final portion that were specially propagated for the Antigua Black Rehabilitation Project aimed at scaling up pineapple cultivation in Antigua to sustainable levels not seen since the 1980’s. The project focuses on improving genetic resources, enhancing cultivation techniques and preparation for future production. The plantlets, nurtured in a controlled environment, boast a survival rate of about 85-90%, demonstrating the effectiveness of CARDI’s weaning and pest management strategies.

The plantlets will be transplanted at the Cades Bay Agricultural Station, a historic site for Antigua Black Pineapple production.  Once the centrepiece of local agriculture, Cades Bay is now undergoing a major transformation with modern technologies such as drip irrigation and plastic mulch systems. These innovations will optimize water usage, control weeds, and create favourable growing conditions for the pineapples.

In addition to the infrastructure upgrades,  some of the MOA nursery, technicians and local farmers are receiving training in nursery management and sucker multiplication, ensuring the project benefits from both traditional knowledge and scientific advancements. This approach will create a robust pipeline for clean planting material, a critical step for sustaining the initiative.

It is anticipated that this project in the near future will be a part of a broader Caribbean initiative to reduce food imports by 25% by 2025. Collaboration with regional and international partners, including the University of the West Indies, has opened opportunities for research into DNA fingerprinting and other advanced techniques to preserve the unique qualities of the Antigua Black Pineapple.

The phased planting of the new plantlets will begin in early 2025, with expectations of significant yields by 2026. Over the next two to three years, the project aims to produce sufficient suckers and fruit to re-establish the pineapple as a staple in local and export markets.

The Antigua Black Pineapple is more than just a crop; it is a national symbol and a vital component of the island’s agrotourism appeal. The revitalization effort is expected to create jobs, strengthen food security, and contribute to economic growth. By upscaling production and maintaining quality, Antigua is positioning itself as a leader in the premium pineapple industry.

This milestone marks a promising step towards revitalizing a legacy crop while ensuring its sustainable future.