World Soil Day by Shenequa Williams

World Soil Day, celebrated every December 5th, raises awareness about the vital role soil plays in sustaining life on Earth. This year’s theme, “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” highlights the importance of understanding soil health and taking proactive steps to protect it for future generations.
In Antigua and Barbuda, we are advancing soil sustainability through the Soil Care Phase 1 Initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This initiative, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), focuses on sustainable land management practices to address soil degradation and boost resilience to climate change. Along with this initiative, the FAO organized and hosted a Soil Doctor Training.
Healthy soils are essential for growing staple crops like sweet potatoes, cassava, and vegetables and fruits such as mangoes, eggplants, and pineapples. However, challenges like soil erosion, salinization, and nutrient depletion threaten agricultural productivity. The project empowers farmers and stakeholders with tools to measure and monitor soil health. Training in techniques such as composting, crop rotation, and water conservation ensures better management of soil fertility.
On World Soil Day, the public is encouraged to reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and support conservation projects like these. By caring for soils today, Antigua and Barbuda can ensure a healthier, more productive, and more resilient tomorrow.

Advancing Agriculture: FAO One-Day Sensor Training Workshop by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

In keeping with the impending project Re: FVC /SLC/215/MUL – Digital Solutions to Improve Horticultural Crop Management in the Caribbean, the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) scheduled several activities for Antigua and Barbuda during 13th to 15th November. During this period of visitation included site visits, project AMEXCID (The Mexican Agency of International Co-operation for Development) beneficiaries and a training session on sensors which are to be used in Agriculture to measure variables associated with crop growth and production.

The one-day Sensor Technology Workshop held on 15th November was facilitated by Melvin Medina/ Plant Production and Protection Officer from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Sub-Regional office in Barbados. This training attracted approximately 25 participants to include farmers, extension officers and agricultural stakeholders, all who were eager to explore modern tools for enhancing farming practices.

The workshop focused on introducing participants to sensor technologies that monitor soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. These devices provide farmers with real-time data, empowering them to make informed decisions for maximizing crop yields and resource efficiency.

Mr. Medina emphasized the importance of tailoring these technologies to the local agricultural landscape. “Adaptation to local conditions ensures these tools are not only functional but also sustainable in the long term,” he stated.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities which included installing sensors and interpreting data outputs. This practical approach ensured that they could immediately apply their newfound knowledge to their own agricultural operations.

The event represented a significant step forward for Antigua’s agricultural sector, fostering technological innovation and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders. By utilizing these tools, local farmers are better positioned to tackle challenges such as water scarcity and climate variability, ultimately enhancing food security and sustainability in the nation.

The vital role of education and technology is transforming local and regional agriculture, ensuring it remains resilient and productive in an ever-changing world.

 

 

 

FAO/MOA World Food Day climaxed with a successful Seedlings Distribution & Night Market by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture/Agricultural Extension Division (AED) held its final event to commemorate World Food Day on Sunday 20th October. The extra ordinary occasion according to Mr. Ika Fergus surpassed all expectations of the organizing team.
Profound gratitude is extended to those that supported and were responsible for this tremendous accomplishment. This were the agro-proccessors, farmers, the entertainers such as Ebonite Steel Orchestra and Menace. “I would like express great appreciation and gratitude to the members of the organizing team, the agricultural community, those who provided entertainment and to persons from the general public for their support and attendance at the first ever Seedlings Distribution and Night Market, hosted by the FAO and Agricultural Extension Division in honour of World Food Day 2024”, expressed Mr. Fergus/FAO Correspondent and Extension Officer.
Local entrepreneurs used the opportunity to display and sell their produce and products. It was very pleasing to see the efforts placed into the processing and packaging of the various products and all there was to offer. The feedbacks of the event were of praise, of encouraging words and recommendations for repeaters in the near future. It was suggested that such events should be on a quarterly basis but with the next one as early as December 2024.

World Food Day: Feed the Needy Food Drive by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

World Food Day is a flagship event of the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The day has been celebrated annually on October 16th.  It was established in 1979 during the 20th FAO Conference to raise awareness about global hunger and promote action towards ending it. The idea came from Hungarian Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Pal Romany, and since the, World Food Day has been recognized in over 150 countries.

The theme for World Food Day 2024 is “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”. This theme aims to highlight the immediate and long-term benefits of prioritising access to safe and nutritious food for all. The day serves as a platform for governments, international organizations, and civil society to advocate for policies that address food insecurity. Initiatives launched on World Food Day and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger World Food Day have influenced the development of national and international strategies to address hunger. This has helped countries to coordinate food security and agricultural policies.

The Feed the Needy Food Drive is an important annual initiative which has been in existence since 2018 and has been a collaborative effort of the Extension Division/Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, the Directorate of Gender Affairs and the Adopt a Family Charity Group.

Mr. Walter Christopher, Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries joined some of his staff from the Extension Division who partnered with other government agencies, local farmers and businesses at the Multi Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre to not only raise awareness of the issue of hunger and food insecurity, but also to play a part in alleviating in a small way the impacts on Antiguan society. This group spent their day sorting and packing a variety of fruits vegetables and groceries, which were donated to persons of less fortunate circumstance.

Over sixty (60) food packages were distributed to the less fortunate and vulnerable in our society.  Events such as the Food Drive is a perfect example that demonstrates that we still are our brother’s keeper and LOVE still conquers All.  World Food Day, is one of the many occasions that amplifies the nation’s commitment to building a food-secure future where no one is left behind.

 

World Food Day Seminar: Inspiring Antigua’s Youth in Agriculture by Shenequa Williams and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

World Food Day celebrations in Antigua were highlighted by the Youth in Agriculture Seminar, hosted at the Agricultural Extension Division on October 14th, with a focus on engaging young people in the critical mission of food security and agricultural innovation. The event drew notable figures from Antigua’s agricultural sector and government, including Minister Anthony Smith/Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, Anthony Smith Jr., Mr. Walter Christopher/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gregory Bailey/Director of Agriculture, Owolabi Elabanjo/Chief Extension Officer, and Ika Fergus/the Extension Officer and FAO Correspondent.

Mr. Ika Fergus opened the ceremony by expressing gratitude to the head table for their attendance and support. He pointed out that young people account for 16% of the world’s population and stressed the importance of their role in shaping the future of food and nutrition security in Antigua and Barbuda. Fergus shared his hope that the youth participants would leave the seminar with renewed passion, confidence, and commitment to agriculture.

Mr. Walter Christopher’s remarks focus on more inclusion of committed youth with a foresight and the drive to lead the industry much further than they predecessors.  Additionally, he made reference to his commitment to the sector for over forty (40) years and told the story of choosing his first employment in the Agriculture Industry for a salary of Six Hundred and fifty dollars instead of working at a banking institution for Nine Hundred dollars.

In his remarks, Mr. Owolabi Elabanjo, underscored the unique role youth can play in agriculture, emphasizing that their energy, creativity, and technological savvy have the potential to revolutionize traditional farming practices, much like the agricultural transformation seen in China today.

Mr. Gregory Bailey in his address related to the common misconception that ‘Agriculture’ and farming are the same. He explained that this confusion often skews public discourse around food security and the efforts being made to address it. By broadening the understanding of agriculture to include a wider range of related activities, Director Bailey hopes to foster more informed discussions and better decision-making with youth participation.

In the feature address, Minister Anthony Smith Jr., delivered heartfelt remarks to the young attendees, stressing the vital role agriculture plays in the nation’s future. Recognizing the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in supporting food security efforts.  The Minister encouraged young people to seize the opportunities available in farming and agricultural innovation.  Moreover, He shared exciting updates from his recent visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA). As he described the activities and the tremendous involvement of the youth.  Proudly he informed the students that the farmer of 2024 was a 30year old producer from Dominica.

The seminar featured presentations on various agricultural occupations, with a particular focus on modern practices such as drone farming, showcasing how technology can be leveraged to improve efficiency and yields in agriculture.  Making these presentations were producers and agricultural technicians such as Twin I Payne, Michael Joseph, Neil Gomes, Bradbury Browne, Victor Wade and Adrian Bowen. The intention of this exposure to the cutting-edge techniques was to inspire and intrigue the youth to view agriculture not just as traditional farming but as a sector ready for innovation.

As World Food Day continues and thereafter, the Youth in Agriculture Seminar serves as a reminder of the pivotal role young people play in securing the future of food production in Antigua and Barbuda. With the support of local leaders and a renewed sense of purpose, Antigua’s youth are poised to take on the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring that the nation’s agricultural sector continues to thrive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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FAO & MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE EXTEND PROFOUND GRATITUDE TO SUPPORTERS

On behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, we extend our deepest gratitude to all of you—Wally Browne’s Farm, Fiagra Farms, Annoited Farms, Lakeram Seelal, Deon Tonge, Fresh N Easy Superette, Caribbean Supermarket, D&G Poultry Farm, Twinstod Farm Enterprise, and any other businesses/persons—for your generous contributions to the “Feed the Needy” drive in honour of World Food Day. Your support has been invaluable in helping us provide nutritious food for those facing food insecurity.
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LOCAL, REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS:  FAO Global conference on Animal Health by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently held a conference during 23rd to 25th September at the FAO Headquarters in Italy.  This was a Global conference on Animal Health Innovation, Refence Centres and Vaccines.

Representing the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) was Antiguan born, Dr Nneka Hull James.  Dr. Hull James, a veterinarian officer of the Ministry of Agriculture was seconded earlier this year to the CAHFSA in Suriname.  With the exception of the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) from Jamaica, Dr. Hull James was the only representative for both CARICOM and CAHFSA. This also made them the only ones representing our region.

At the conference, Dr. Hull James delivered a presentation on Livestock Production in a Changing Climate: an illustration of Caribbean resilience and participated in panel discussion on challenges and opportunities faced by young professionals in the animal health sectorAdditionally, she was invited to speak on the panel for the conference side events three (3) and Session eight (8). “My discussion was focused on primary obstacles preventing young professionals from being more actively involved in decision making processes within the animal health sector and the changes necessary to ensure youth voices are heard in shaping the future of the field”, Hull James reported.

Information reaching our shores attest to the good work and contribution Dr. Hull James has been providing CAHFSA since her secondment and Management at the Ministry of Agriculture commend Dr Hull James for her continued hard work and dedication.  As a young veterinarian, she continues to demonstrates her ardent commitment towards Food Security, Veterinary Services and the Agricultural Sector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resilient Caribbean Initiative Workshop by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

Synopsis on the Resilient Caribbean Initiative

The Mexico-CARICOM-FAO Initiative Co-operation for the Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change (Resilient Caribbean Initiative) in the fourteen countries of the Caribbean (CARICOM) to foster resilience regarding their agriculture sector/food systems.

This co-operation started in 2018 was funded by the Mexican government and was implemented by the FOA subregional Office for the Caribbean is expected to conclude by December 2024.  The project made up of several components each having sub-projects, these are as follow:

  • Component 1: Strengthening the institutional capacities of the CARICOM member countries in aspects related to resilient livelihoods and well-being through South-South cooperation o Subproject 1: Addressing the water-energy nexus in agriculture o Subproject 2: Resilient school feeding programmes o Subproject 3: Resilient aquaculture for food security and well-being o Subproject 4: Support to the Germplasm Centre of Levy, South Department, Haiti
  • Component 2: Facilitating access to climate and environmental finance for resilience and adaptation to climate change
  • Component 3: Effective and efficient management of the Initiative and knowledge As the Resilient Caribbean Initiative is coming to a close.

The Resilient Caribbean Initiative Workshop

The Government of Mexico, the CARICOM Secretariat and FAO-SLC hosted a two-day in-person workshop in Panama City that brought together selected beneficiaries and key stakeholders for a joint reflection on successes, challenges and lessons learned.

The event objectives provided a platform for:

  • direct beneficiaries expressed their experience with the project (e.g., benefits derived, changes observed, challenges faced, etc.);
  • government focal points shared lessons learned and recommendations for future FAO interventions in the sub-region;
  • all participants jointly defined areas that require additional support and hold potential for future collaboration between Mexico and CARICOM countries.

Antigua and Barbuda, was represented by a quadruple team consisted of Ms Petranilla Estreada/Deputy- Registrar of Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals, Miss Auriel Horsford-Hunte/former FAO National Project Co-ordinator, Miss Sheir Williams/Farmer and Mr. Brent Georges/Projects Co-ordinator for the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to Ms. Petranilla Estreada – the workshop was collaborative and engaging. The major take-aways were that most countries experience the same difficulties of changing the traditional mindset of its citizens to foster change, enhance nutrition and productivity. “The countries also believed that a baseline assessment and needs assessment needs to be done in country before programs are accepted and implemented to avoid resources being misused and wasted and they stressed the need for monitoring and evaluation”, Estreada said.

She further stated that, countries as a team made recommendations for future programme initiatives in the categories of technology needs, capacity building/training, partnerships, school feeding program and Caribbean Agri-food systems.

The representatives’ involvements included the following:

  • Miss Auriel Horsford-Hunte, moderated subcomponent 1: related to the water nexus project;
  • Sheir Williams shared her experience as a beneficiary of the program.
  • Brent Georges was a panalist for sub- component 1 and also shared his experience addressing the water energy nexus in agriculture.
  • Petranilla Estreada participated in technical group dialogues, multi stakeholder reflections and discussions related to future initiatives and cross-country dialogues.

FAO – PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY – FAO MESSAGE

 

 

 

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