In a major administrative shift for agricultural land governance in Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has launched a mandatory regularization program for all former tenants of government-owned agricultural lands previously overseen by the Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC). The policy change, which formalizes a transition approved by the country’s Cabinet back in November 2025, brings all lands formerly managed by the ADC under the direct control of the ministry, with the explicit goal of boosting national food production and strengthening long-term food security.
Announced via a public notice released on July 27 by Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher, the new requirement mandates that every individual who previously held tenancy rights to these lands must complete a formal regularization process through the Agricultural Extension Division of the Department of Agriculture. Legitimate occupiers are instructed to schedule official appointments at the earliest possible opportunity to verify that they are actively using the allocated plots for agricultural cultivation, as required by the national land designation.
Officials from the ministry emphasized that all affected parcels are officially classified as Crown lands held in public ownership, specifically zoned for agricultural production to advance the national interest. Against a backdrop of growing global concern over food supply chain disruptions and rising food insecurity, the initiative is framed as a core strategic step to shore up Antigua and Barbuda’s domestic food and nutrition resilience. Under the policy, any parcels that are found to be inactive or not under active agricultural production will be reallocated to new farmers who have demonstrated the capacity and willingness to contribute to the country’s total agricultural output.
In closing, the ministry appealed for collaboration from agricultural stakeholders and the general public, noting that the regularization drive is designed not only to strengthen food security but also to advance long-term agricultural sustainability across the twin-island nation. Members of the public seeking additional information or clarification on the process are encouraged to contact the ministry directly via phone at 462-1213.