On Thursday 16th December, the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MALFBE) hosted a press conference and formally launched the Backyard Gardening (BYG) Competition at the Point Wharf Fisheries Complex. This debriefing was chaired by Ms. Carol Faye Bynoe-George/Head of MALFBE Communications Unit.
The welcome was delivered by Mr. Walter Christopher/Permanent Secretary who stated that the initiative is aimed squarely at reducing the country’s dependence on imported food while contributing to food security.
Noting that backyard and community gardening function as a form of social protection, he explained that household food production provides an economic buffer during period of economic uncertainty and global food price spikes.
The PS noted that this is highly commendable, while emphasizing that the overarching goal is for every household in the twin-island state to establish a backyard garden and proudly stated that to date, more than 600 households have already registered.
Providing the project overview, Mr. Gregory Bailey/Director of Agriculture outlined the scope and intent of the competition, positioning it as a practical, household-level intervention designed to boost local food production, encouraged participation across communities and build long term resilience. According to the Director from as early as 2008 this initiative was introduced and by 2015 there was approximately 450 backyard gardeners on record.
“Today, the Agricultural Extension Division manages a database of nearly 700 active, registered gardeners. Backyard gardening has evolved into a structured, nationally recognized movement, celebrated each year on April 21st as “National Backyard Garden Day”. Beyond household food security, some gardeners have generated enough raw material to develop cottage agro-processing businesses, demonstrating entrepreneurial capacity.
On our sister island, backyard gardens have been central to recovery since Hurricane Maria, showing how this practice builds resilience. As we gather today, the implementation of this backyard gardening community initiative is already being rolled out. Planting materials are being procured, registration is ongoing and the full details regarding the criteria for judging will be made public, in the very near future” Mr. Bailey submitted.
The feature remarks were delivered by Hon. Anthony Smith Jr./ Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, who announced that the competition is now re-branded under the “Plant2Plate Antigua & Barbuda Initiative”. The Minister highlighted the country’s vulnerability arising from heavy reliance on imported food and underscored the need for proactive measures to strengthen local food production systems. He explained that the theme for this year’s progamme, “Homegrown Today, Food Secured Tomorrow,” captures the essence of the initiative – transforming backyards into productive spaces that support families, communities, and the national economy.
Each garden, he noted, represents a meaningful step towards reducing imports, fostering economic activity, and building a core for a self-sufficient Antigua and Barbuda. The Minister further announced enhanced incentives and prize money for participants and introduced a new optional component, the “Cook What You Grow” Culinary Showcase.
This addition category allows participants to prepare and present dishes using produce harvested from their home gardens, reinforcing the full Plate2Plate concept from production to consumption while celebrating innovation and culinary creativity.
During the ceremony, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. Also unveiled the new Plant2Plate logo, describing it as a symbol of collective commitment to a more food-secure, sustainable and self-reliant future. He urged the public to see the competition not merely as an event, but as a movement toward lasting change.
More details pertaining to the competition to include the adjudication criteria and the vote of thanks were delivered by Ms. Marcelle Freeland/Chairperson BYG Committee. She expressed special recognition of Ms. Efuru Elihu and Mr. Ayo Simon (backyard garden facilitators), the support staff of the Agricultural Extension Division and the other BYG Competition Committee members (Ms Carol-Faye Bynoe-George, Mr. Ika Fergus and Mr. Oriel Walter) . In closing she further extended profound appreciation for both farmers and gardeners whose participation is critical in shaping the nations agricultural sector and future.
The launch serves a s a clear call to action: get hands in the soil, plant the seeds, and join a national effort to cultivate a greener more resilient Antigua and Barbuda – One yard, One plate, One nation.