BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — In a significant declaration during the 2025 Agriculture Open Day, Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins affirmed St. Kitts and Nevis’ dedication to spearheading sustainable agricultural practices. The event, held as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), saw Duggins emphasize the nation’s readiness to contribute to global sustainability efforts in agriculture. ‘The road will be long, and the challenges will be tough,’ Duggins acknowledged, ‘but St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to playing a pivotal role in this crucial endeavor.’ This pledge aligns with the government’s broader sustainable island agenda, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency across all sectors. The CWA, focusing on bolstering the region’s agricultural sector, underscores the importance of collaboration and persistence. Duggins highlighted the ’25 by 2025′ initiative, a regional effort to reduce the Caribbean’s $3 billion annual food import bill by 25% by the end of this year through increased local food production. In St. Kitts and Nevis, partnerships with regional and international stakeholders have already yielded positive results, with significant growth in the fishery and crop sectors. Duggins stressed the need for sustainable and inclusive growth, particularly by engaging young farmers to ensure future resilience. The two-day Agriculture Open Day, hosted along the Kim Collins Highway, serves as a platform to showcase these advancements and foster further collaboration.
Minister Duggins pledges St. Kitts and Nevis’ role in sustainable agriculture
