Antigua and Barbuda faces a critical demographic crisis in its agricultural sector as the nation’s farming population rapidly ages, according to Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith. During the 2026 Budget Debate, Smith revealed that the average age of local farmers has reached concerning levels between 55 and 60 years, creating one of the most severe long-term challenges for the country’s food production system.
The minister emphasized that this aging trend directly threatens national food security, production stability, and effective succession planning. As experienced producers retire from the sector, they leave behind a significant knowledge and labor gap that could compromise the ministry’s efforts to implement modern agricultural methods across the industry.
In response to this pressing issue, the government has revitalized the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Youth Forum (ABAYF) as a primary strategy to attract new generations to agricultural careers. The program has demonstrated remarkable success since its recent relaunch, enrolling 75 young men and women who have shown genuine interest in agricultural pursuits.
Smith clarified that ABAYF operates as more than merely a social club—it represents a structured developmental pipeline that exposes youth to diverse agricultural opportunities, educates them on the vital importance of food production, and facilitates connections with relevant ministry departments. The minister cited Chief Extension Officer Iker Ferguson as a success story, noting his progression through ABAYF ranks into agricultural leadership.
This initiative forms part of a comprehensive modernization campaign aimed at transforming agriculture’s public perception. Young people are being encouraged to view the field as extending beyond traditional farming to encompass technology integration, agribusiness, research innovation, sustainability practices, and food systems management.
Minister Smith repeatedly stressed that youth engagement remains essential for advancing the sector, particularly as older farmers approach retirement. The government’s dual approach—supporting the existing aging farmer population while aggressively recruiting young entrants—aims to ensure stable domestic food production for Antigua and Barbuda’s future.
The ministry intends to capitalize on the current momentum, building upon the demonstrated attraction of young citizens to agriculture as a viable and respected profession crucial to national development.