The innovative Plant2Plate Backyard Gardening Competition is extending its reach to the island of Barbuda, marking a significant expansion of Antigua and Barbuda’s national food security initiative. Organized through the Agricultural Extension Division, this government-backed program will host its inaugural registration and seedling distribution event on Barbuda on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM local time.
Barbudan residents are encouraged to participate as backyard gardeners and receive complimentary seedlings featuring seven diverse vegetable varieties: watermelon, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, eggplant, sweet pepper, and Chinese cabbage. This strategic selection offers both nutritional diversity and growing versatility for household gardens.
The expansion represents a critical step in the broader Plant2Plate initiative’s mission to strengthen domestic food production capabilities across the twin-island nation. By empowering citizens to cultivate their own produce, the program directly addresses food import dependency while building resilient local food systems.
This grassroots approach to food security emphasizes practical, household-level solutions that collectively contribute to national self-sufficiency goals. The competition framework adds an engaging element that encourages sustained participation and knowledge sharing among community members.
Interested participants can obtain additional information by contacting 722-2942 or visiting the official government agriculture portal at agriculture.gov.ag for comprehensive program details and ongoing updates.