The Antigua and Barbuda government has come up with plans to revitalize agricultural yields in Barbuda with a focus on key crops, including coconuts and peanuts, besides encouraging the cultivation of ornamental plants.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne spoke about the government’s plans to expand agricultural activities in Barbuda on a local radio programme. He also emphasized the administration’s mission to diversify the island’s economy and ensure food security. The island has been recovering fast since the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
Barbuda’s potential to contribute to national food security
He said, “Barbuda has significant potential to contribute to national food security. We are looking to scale up coconut and peanut farming on the island.”
Speaking about plans to set up nurseries for ornamental plants that will facilitate beautification projects across the dual-island nation, the prime minister said the government aims to develop such nurseries for the purpose of landscaping along the country’s major highways and public spaces.
The plan is also expected to bolster Barbuda’s growing reputation as a top holiday destination, especially after it found a place in Frommer’s list of places to go in 2025.
The dual strategy of boosting Barbuda as a premier tourist destination and as a robust contributor to the island-nation’s agricultural resilience is meant to give it a comprehensive overall economic push on a sustainable basis.
Barbuda is known for its high-quality peanuts but its plantation capacity took a major hit during Irma and countries such as the UK donated equipment worth EC$30,000 in 2022 to revive the crop’s production.
Government aims to develop Barbuda for national interest
Browne said the idea is to make Barbuda “a hub of agricultural innovation and environmental sustainability”. He added that infrastructure projects such as an expanded airport will boost Barbuda’s development and connectivity. The island has also seen major investments in its resorts.
The prime minister said in his 2025 Budget speech made in December that, “Barbuda, in particular, has become a beacon of progress and land of opportunity”.
“With over $1.5 billion invested in the PLH Development, and over $57 million invested on the Paradise Found Resort to date; Barbuda is emerging as a key driver of our national prosperity,” Browne added.
“These projects are creating income, employment, and opportunities for countless families, ensuring that Barbuda plays a central role in our nation’s future.”
While the rejuvenation of coconut and peanut farming is part of a major strategy to make Barbuda self-sufficient and economically resilient, the Browne-led government has also encouraged the private sector and local growers to involve themselves, with support and guidance from national agricultural bodies.
Several regional and international agricultural agencies came forward to help restore Barbuda’s agriculture sector with a special emphasis on climate-change resilience following Irma.
The agencies included Garden Pool, a US-based international public charity organization and Pasture Management; which joined hands with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Caribbean Research and Development Institute (CARDI) on various projects on the island. They picked a secondary school, which was the only structure that was spared by the hurricane, for their work.
CARDI has also partnered with IICA and the Ministry of Agriculture Land Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs and other stakeholders to revive agriculture in Barbuda.
