PROJECT UPDATE – 5000 Antigua Black plantlets to be transplanted this week by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
The third phase of the Antigua Black Rehabilitation Project is scheduled for this week. The plantlets previously received from the lab in St. Vincent was under the care of technicians for the hardening process. It is anticipated that after the completion of the hardening stage of the plantlets done at CARDI, the transplanting of 5000 plantlets will be during the 18th and 19th February. Simultaneously, at Cades Bay Agricultural Station, with the assistance from APUA pipelines for water, under the supervision of Mr. Bradbury Browne the irrigation system and other preparation were done. Today, 17th February, the final phase of the land prepping is in process and near completion. The Ministry of Agriculture and its partner, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) are both pleased with the progress of this project.




Local NGO supports Codrington Barbuda with the Introduction of Innovative Hydroponics Initiative by IICA (Antigua)
Codrington, Barbuda. 11th February, (IICA); Building of sustainable agriculture practices, linking SME’s to markets, improving capacities in food safety standards and productivity, strengthening local NGOs and promoting climate smart agriculture, are some of the contributions that will be improved made by Team Buda Corp.
This local NGO formed by Barbudans and is comprised of other members living in the diaspora is a non-profit NGO dedicated to fostering sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation in communities. Their mission is to empower individuals and communities to adopt innovative and environmentally friendly practices that enhance food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience. Through education and collaborative partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the group strives to create a more sustainable and equitable world where people and nature thrive together.
Through external resources received from the Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Team BUDA Corp with support from local partners and other stakeholders started executing activities under a project twinned with the support from the Sir McChesney George Secondary School entitled The Introduction of Innovative Climate Change Technologies through Hydroponics and Conventional Agriculture through Youth Engagement in Barbuda. The project which will introduce innovative climate smart technologies will be executed over a 12-month period, which will contribute to not only the youths from the agricultural science programme within the school but also the wider farming community in Barbuda.
The project is a collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation (IICA) along with other partners and stakeholders, seeking to support some key priority actions mandated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Barbuda Council.
The project output will be to;
- Output 1: Build technical & social capacity of Increase the technical proficiency of the school staff and students in area such as sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient technologies, and community development by the end of the project.
- OUTPUT 2:Build capacity and strengthen existing livelihood opportunities and generate sustainable alternatives economic production techniques by the end of the project
- OUTPUT 3: Disseminate the climate smart approaches using innovative educational and M&E tools and new media approaches, within Antigua and Barbuda to promote wider interest.
IICA through its technical cooperation continues to contribute to strengthening the business and associated capabilities of vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, which has led to a strengthening of the dialogue among the institute and greater involvement in agriculture.
Since 1992, GEF SGP – UNDPhas embodied the very essence of sustainable development by “thinking globally and acting locally” and serving, in the GEF partnership, a unique role supporting objectives of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in achieving GEF’s mission and mandate to deliver Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs).
The overriding objective of SGP 2.0 is to “Catalyze and mobilize civil society actors and local actions needed to address major drivers of environmental degradation and help deliver multiple benefits across the GEF’s mandated thematic dimensions, while promoting sustainable development and improved livelihoods.”


IICA High-Level Technical Mission to Strengthen the Agricultural Sector in Antigua and Barbuda
5th February 2025 St. John’s:
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) delegation in Antigua and Barbuda welcomed, a Technical Team, led by Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, Director of Technical Cooperation accompanying him were Dr. Curt Delice, Special Affairs Coordinator for the Caribbean, and Mr. Gregg Rawlins, ECS Representative. Their 3-day visit, focused on identifying strategic actions to advance sustainable agricultural development and food security in Antigua and Barbuda.
During this mission, Mr. Craig Thomas, IICA National Specialist in Antigua and Barbuda joined this technical team during organized meetings on Monday, February 03, 2025, which afforded them the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Anthony Smith Jnr, Permanent Secretary Mr. Walter Christopher, Director Mr. Gregory Bailey, Deputy Director of the Blue Economy Ms. Marva Woodley, along with other heads of department and key personnel within the Ministry of Agriculture. A meeting with local NGOs followed, which included the Layers Association, Beekeepers Cooperative, Antigua and Barbuda Network of Rural Women Producers/Processors (ANBNROP) and the Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY). A courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the next priority meeting, where the team met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Chet Greene.
Tuesday, February 04, 2025, field visits were organized, focusing on various ongoing water storage and restoration dam projects by the Ministry of Agriculture in support of farmers. Addition project sites under FAO and CARDI were visited, along with several private farms with the guidance of a ministry extension officer. The team, during station visits had the opportunity to view the Antigua Black Pineapple tissue culture plants, a project under the IICA Single Fund, which are currently housed at the CARDI nursery.
On the final day, February 05, 2025, a debriefing was held with the Director of Agriculture and other Senior Technicians within the Ministry of Agriculture, to discuss the findings, recommendations and ways in which IICA can offer technical support through its technical cooperation programs. IICA will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to implement strategic actions to address some of the findings during this mission. The visit was a resounding success, with objectives for the period fully met.


IICA MEETS WITH NGOs by carol-Faye Bynoe-George
One of the meetings held by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) representatives during their impromptu visit to Antigua and Barbuda was with the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The aftermath of their meeting with the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, the Director and departmental heads of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, the IICA trio consisting of Mr. Greg Rawlins, Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim and Dr. Curt Delise met with representatives from the Beekeepers’ Cooperative, the Rural Women Agri-group, the Antigua and Barbuda Layers Association and the new reinstated Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youths (ABAFY).
The session commenced with a synopsis about IICA and the purpose of the visit done by Mr. Craig Thomas/IICA National Specialist. This was followed by introductions done by all present. Matters discussed were pertaining to the current status of each association, technical support, resources, funding availability, cohesiveness amongst association’s membership and collaboration between NGO, government, other stakeholders and organizations such as IICA, GEF and CARDI. It was expressed by the IICA’s experts that the ways forward would involve more synergized approach with each entity proactively doing its part in order achieve the desired and tangible goals for the nation and more so the Caribbean region.
During this consultation the attendees were assured by the IICA’s representatives of the organization’s mandate and pledge to continue support and assist through various avenues which includes technical training, advisory guidance and source funding agencies for implementation of projects that would enhance food security, create more employment and businesses.
Representatives for the NGOs were:
Beekeeping Cooperative was Mrs. Davina Joyce/President
Rural Women Group was Dr. Saran King/President,
Antigua and Barbuda Layers Association was Mr. Adrian Hall
ABAFY were Mr. Michael Joseph/President and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/Advisor
The attendees all indicated their association’s commitment and interest in achieving the nation’s common goals.


Ministry of Agriculture and IICA Strengthen Partnership for Key Agricultural Projects by Brent Simon
3rd Feb 2025
The Honourable Anthony Smith jr., Minister of Agriculture Lands Fisheries and the Blue Economy and senior ministry officials met today, to engage in a strategic meeting with representatives from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Among the attendees from the ministry were Mr. Walter Christopher/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gregory Bailey / Director of Agriculture, and other departmental heads.
The discussion highlighted several challenges faced in the agricultural sector while identifying strategic ways to address these and support the sector in Antigua and Barbuda.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Craig Thomas/IICA National Specialist, who gave a short presentation on the technical support currently being offered by IICA to the Ministry of Agriculture’s key priority areas.
In his brief remarks, Hon. Anthony Smith, thanked IICA for the continued support offered to Antigua and Barbuda and voiced his commitment to rejuvenating the agricultural sector. The minister also acknowledged, Mr. Craig Thomas, and recognized the role that he has played in development of agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.
Mr. Greg Rawlins / IICA ECS Representative, thanked the minister for accommodating what he described as a unique opportunity to re-engage, listen to critical issues and identify sustainable responses.
The feature presentation was given by Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim/Director for Technical Cooperation (IICA), who presented on the “Direction of Technical Cooperation Hemispheric Programs” and shared areas of IICA’s interest in:
- Strengthening Technical Cooperation
- Enhancing capacity building programs for farmers, extension officers and agri-business stakeholders.
- Expanding IICA’s technical assistance in areas such as soil management, irrigation technology, and digital agriculture.
- Leveraging data-driven approaches to support evidence based agricultural policies.
- Alignment with Hemispheric Agricultural Programs
- Climate resilience and water resource management – integrating solutions to address drought and climate variability.
- Food security and nutrition – reinforcing sustainable food production systems
- Innovation and technology transfer – promoting smart agricultural solutions, including precision farming and greenhouse technology.
- Youth and Women in Agriculture – fostering entrepreneurship and inclusive participation in the sector.
Mr. Gregory Bailey presented a general overview of the issues impacting the agricultural sector listing among several, the high rate of employee turnover in farm labour. He cited that this was due to several factors a primary one being, the focus on the tourism and service industry which although seasonal is deemed more attractive by many seeking employment. Further he commended the success of the Egg Industry, in Antigua remarking that our local suppliers were able to provide 90% of the eggs consumed in Antigua and Barbuda last year.
Additional presentations were given by the Fisheries and Blue Economy Division. The Fisheries Division was represented by Mr. Mark Archibald/Senior Fisheries Officer, who gave some insight into the fishing industry in Antigua and Barbuda which included addressing the necessity to maintain compliance with the export standards of the EU and other countries. He also highlighted the opportunities that exist within the fishing industry taking into consideration the untapped specie that are marketable to enhance fisheries production.
Ms. Marver Woodley – Assistant to the Director, Department of the Blue Economy, emphasized on the lack of key legislation within the Blue-Economy. While presenting, she identified several areas that the division is focused on. The division is committed to promoting and advancing the socio-economic sustainable use of the nation’s marine resources.
Dr. Curt Delise/IICA Special Affairs Coordinator for the Caribbean Region lent his expertise throughout the session on issues related to regional implementation. He shared that the funding process can be streamlined when all partners are aware of their responsibilities and fulfill them. He encouraged continued commitment to collaboration efforts and youth development in the region.
The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector through enhanced technical cooperation and strategic alignment with hemispheric programs. Moving forward, both parties will collaborate on concrete action plans to accelerate agricultural development, improve resilience, and ensure food security for the nation.



ABAFY Inaugural Meeting: A New Chapter for Youth in Agriculture by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY) officially launched on Tuesday 14th January held its inaugural meeting Thursday 30th January. The meeting was held at the Agricultural Extension Division and was chaired by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/MoA Head of Communications and member of the ABAFY Regeneration committee and the welcome remarks done by ABAFY first president, Mr. Craig Thomas/IICA national representative and member of the ABAFY Regeneration committee.
The meeting commenced with the presentation and formal acceptance of a revised constitution, the ABAFY constitution is a guiding document that defines the forum’s mission, vision and operational structure. The constitution also explains ABAFY’s connection to the Caribbean Agriculture Youth Forum (CAFY) and its commitment to sustainable agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.
This inaugural meeting was a milestone that solidifies the forum’s role in advancing youth involvement in agriculture. Held with the participation of young agriculturalist, farmers and Ministry of Agriculture representatives, focused on establishing ABAFY’s governance and setting the stage for future initiatives.
The main focus of the event was the election of the 2025 ABAFY Executive, conducted via secret ballot votes, to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. However, prior to the voting exercise each nominated candidate had to deliver a synopsis on themselves and their interest in the agricultural industry.
By way of votes casted from the attendees the newly elected executive team was selected. All positions with the exception of the two MoA representatives were vied for in the election.
2025 ABAFY Executive Members
- Michael Joseph – President
- Jermon Williams – Vice President
- Shenequa Williams – Secretary
- Bianca Francis – Treasurer
- Janea White – Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
- Bernella Vidal – Public Relations Officer
- Tiffany Pryce – Floor Representative
- Victor Wade – Ministry of Agriculture Representative
- Adrian Bowen – Ministry of Agriculture Representative
Congratulatory remarks to the newly elected was delivered by Ms. Anika Aska/Extension Officer (ag), a pioneer member of ABAFY IN 2001 and now serves on the ABAFY Regeneration Committee. The newly appointed executive will serve for a term of two years and lead the charge in advocating for young persons interested in every area of the sector, agricultural education, fostering skills development, and championing youth-driven innovation within the agricultural sector.
With leadership in place, the ABAFY is now well-positioned to empower young agriculturalist, facilitate networking opportunities, and play a key role in shaping policies that impact the sector. The forum’s establishment aligns with global, national and regional goals of food security, agricultural resilience, and sustainability.
As ABAFY embarks on this exciting journey, the enthusiasm and dedication of its members signal a promising future for the youth in agriculture. The 2025 executive is eager to hit the ground running, ensuring that young voices are heard and valued in shaping the agricultural landscape of Antigua and Barbuda.




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.

NEWS BRIEF: Antigua Black Pineapple Technical Activities
St. Johns, 11th November, 2024: The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation (IICA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Caribbean Agriculture Research Development Institute (CARDI) and other partners over the past three weeks have undertaken several technical activities under the rehabilitation of the Antigua Black Pineapple project. Caribbean CARDI through its technical programme has been monitoring and evaluating the plantlets, applying several management techniques such as fertilizer application, in addition to pest and disease control of the tissue cultured plantlets for the past 3 weeks after arrival.
The institute has applied various agronomy practices in an effort to reduce the mortality of the plantlets. Currently, of the 5000 plantlets received there have been an 85% survival rate thus far, since the plants were transferred to the nursery. After the weaning and hardening period these plantlets are expected to be transplanted to the Cades Bay Pineapple Station between January-February, 2025.
The land preparation of the 1.2 acre of land designated for these pineapple plants at the Cades Bay Pineapple Station was completed and the installation of the drip irrigation system has started and should be completed by the end of November 2024. A plastic mulch system will also be installed before the end of November which will help to reduce the loss of soil moisture by evaporation, in addition to the reduction of weed growth, during the growth and development of the pineapple plants.
It is expected that the 2nd tranche of 5000 tissue cultured Antigua Black Pineapple plantlets is expected to arrive in Antigua by the 1st week of December which will be managed by CARDI.
The Rehabilitation of the Antigua Black Pineapple is funded by the IICA-DG Single Fund which aims to provide technical and financial support to help improve the genetic resources of the Antigua Black Pineapple through tissue culture materials which will help in the conservation of the local fruit in Antigua and Barbuda.

CARIBBEAN VIRTUAL AGRI-FOOD TRADE COMMISSION 2024
We invite you to participate in the Caribbean Virtual Agri-food Trade Mission 3rd Edition.
For companies of primary products, processed foods, and support services for production and commercialization.
Dates: November 26th to 28th 2024 Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/Xd7G0dURFG For further information, please contact: Info_redca@sieca.int

Next Generation Sweet Potato Project by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
On 29th October, 2024, the “Next Generation Sweet Potato Project Inception Consultation”, was held in Antigua.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Craig Thomas/IICA National Specialist, who presented welcoming remarks and a background of the project. Virtual remarks were made by Mr. Gregg C.E. Rawlins/IICA Representative in the Eastern Caribbean States, followed by brief remarks from Mr. Melvin Medina/ representative of the FAO.
This was followed by a presentation titled, “Context on local Sweet Potato Sector” by the Mr. Gregory Bailey/Director of Agriculture. In his presentation he voiced his anticipation and optimism for the success of the Antigua chapter of this regional project stating, “It has been in the making for a long time and now we are here, for the penultimate consultation”.
The project was implemented through collaboration among several agencies to include Inter-American Institute Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), the Ministry of Agriculture, United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI), as local farmers and other stakeholders to include the Disability Association.
Where sweet potato is concerned, the director indicated that the lack of availability and access to clean vigorous planting material with desirable traits has been identified as among the restricting factors to the realization of Antigua’s full crop yield potential. He added that, sweet potato holds significant potential as it relates to the developing post harvest value added products, which makes it an ideal candidate towards the substitution of imports of wheat flour, in support of the nations quest to improve food and nutrition security. Mr Bailey indicated that this project provides another platform where key institutions, divisions and units, can converge in a scientific manner towards problem solving.
A presentation was also made by Mr. Bradbury Browne/Irrigation Specialist, who gave the attendees an overview of Sweet Potato Research Experiments mainly done by CARDI in Antigua and Barbuda. He delved into the various steps and phases that sweet potato research in the country has gone through and shared some insight of the benefits that have derived from said research.
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson/IICA International Specialist Crop Production and Innovation, then presented the “Expected results of the Next Gen Sweet Potato Project”. Dr. Johnson, a key figure in the orchestration of the project has spearheaded a number of collaborations with agricultural research institutions, including Louisiana State University, which offers training on advanced pest managing and crop handling specific to sweet potatoes. This partnership has led to exchange visits where Caribbean agricultural workers have travelled to U.S. farms to observe and learn from advancements in the industry.
Dr. Johnson’s commitment to education and sharing helps to ensure that Caribbean farmers have the resources to sustainably produce and introduced different varieties of sweet potato. These include w the Beauregard and Covington strains, which are widely favoured for their disease resistance and drought tolerance.
The seminar ended with a robust discussion which touched on many issues facing the local industry. The Next Generation project is setting the foundation for resilient and profitable sweet potato production in Antigua, Jamaica and St. Lucia. Not only does it equip famers with pertinent information and essential training but it also positions the region as a major player on the regional platform but hopefully also in the global sweet potato market. As the project progresses, it is destined to make a lasting impact on the Caribbean’s agricultural landscape, fostering greater food security, supporting and affording more opportunities for countless local producers and agro-processors.
