The government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced plans to close the tissue culture laboratory in Bethesda as part of a restructuring effort aimed at strengthening agricultural production and supporting farmers.

The decision was disclosed during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, where officials said the move forms part of broader plans to improve plant propagation and food security in the country.

Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, said the current facility will cease operations in the coming days while a new agricultural facility is established.

“The tissue culture laboratory located in Bethesda will be closed in the next few days,” Merchant said.

The new facility will focus on producing high-quality planting material that is free from disease and suitable for distribution to farmers across Antigua and Barbuda.

“The new facility will support agricultural development by producing disease-free, high-quality plant material for farmers and agricultural programs across Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.

Officials said the initiative is expected to help increase crop production and improve the quality of plants used in local agriculture.

“The Bethesda facility is expected to help increase crop production, improve plant quality, strengthen food security, and support the resilience of the local agricultural sector,” Merchant said.

The government also indicated that new agricultural equipment has arrived at the port and will soon be deployed to assist farmers in boosting crop production and improving yields.