{"id":12732,"date":"2025-02-04T16:09:46","date_gmt":"2025-02-04T16:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/?p=12732"},"modified":"2025-02-04T18:09:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T18:09:38","slug":"ministry-of-agriculture-and-iica-strengthen-partnership-for-key-agricultural-projects-by-brent-simon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/2025\/02\/04\/ministry-of-agriculture-and-iica-strengthen-partnership-for-key-agricultural-projects-by-brent-simon\/","title":{"rendered":"Ministry of Agriculture and IICA Strengthen Partnership for Key Agricultural Projects by Brent Simon"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> Feb 2025<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s key priority areas.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The feature presentation was given by Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim\/Director for Technical Cooperation (IICA), who presented on the \u201c<strong>Direction of Technical Cooperation Hemispheric Programs<\/strong>\u201d and shared areas of IICA\u2019s interest in:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Strengthening Technical Cooperation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Enhancing capacity building programs for farmers, extension officers and agri-business stakeholders.<\/li>\n<li>Expanding IICA\u2019s technical assistance in areas such as soil management, irrigation technology, and digital agriculture.<\/li>\n<li>Leveraging data-driven approaches to support evidence based agricultural policies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Alignment with Hemispheric Agricultural Programs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Climate resilience and water resource management \u2013 integrating solutions to address drought and climate variability.<\/li>\n<li>Food security and nutrition \u2013 reinforcing sustainable food production systems<\/li>\n<li>Innovation and technology transfer \u2013 promoting smart agricultural solutions, including precision farming and greenhouse technology.<\/li>\n<li>Youth and Women in Agriculture \u2013 fostering entrepreneurship and inclusive participation in the sector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Ms. Marver Woodley &#8211; Assistant to the Director, Department of the Blue Economy, emphasized on the lack of key legislation within the Blue-Economy.\u00a0 While presenting, she identified several areas that the division is focused on.\u00a0 The division is committed to promoting and advancing the socio-economic sustainable use of the nation\u2019s marine resources.<\/p>\n<p>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.\u00a0 He encouraged continued commitment to collaboration efforts and youth development in the region.<\/p>\n<p>The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to advancing Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1448-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12733\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1448-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1450-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12734\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1450-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1458-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12735\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1458-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1460-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12736\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1460-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1461-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12737\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1461-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1466-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12739\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1466-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1459-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12740\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1459-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1456-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12741\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1456-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1465-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12742\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1465-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1474-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12743\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1474-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1478-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12746\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1478-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1468-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12747\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1468-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1467-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12748\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1467-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1472-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12749\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1472-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1463-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-12750\" src=\"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_1463-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-iica","category-news-notices"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12732"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12770,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12732\/revisions\/12770"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriculture.gov.ag\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}