In a strategic move to bolster national food security and reduce dependency on imports, Antigua and Barbuda’s government has unveiled a comprehensive agricultural modernization plan. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith detailed during his 2026 Budget Debate address a multi-faceted initiative targeting the nation’s substantial annual meat import expenditure, which currently stands at approximately $75 million.
The cornerstone of this agricultural transformation involves a significant infrastructure investment exceeding $4 million dedicated to revolutionizing the livestock processing sector. This funding will facilitate the construction of two specialized abattoirs alongside a complete renovation of the existing facility. The first new abattoir will exclusively handle poultry processing, while the second will be dedicated to pork and small ruminants. The retrofitted existing facility will transition to focus solely on beef production.
Minister Smith emphasized the economic rationale behind this strategic investment, revealing that pork imports alone account for $20-25 million of the national import bill. He confirmed that local producers already possess the capacity to scale operations to meet domestic demand, indicating that the infrastructure development represents the missing component in the agricultural value chain.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the ministry announced complementary support programs for agricultural workers nationwide. These initiatives include mass distribution of solar-powered lighting systems to enhance farm security, provision of seeds and fencing materials for crop farmers, and specialized wire for fisherfolk constructing fish pots.
Smith, who has served as minister for approximately one year, framed these developments as part of a broader paradigm shift in agricultural policy that prioritizes affordability and sustainability alongside production metrics. The infrastructure expansion is strategically designed to attract private sector investment while creating a more resilient and self-sufficient food production system for the nation.