More than 30,000 seedlings have been distributed to small-scale and backyard farmers in Antigua and Barbuda as part of activities marking World Food Day 2026, in an initiative aimed at strengthening food security and encouraging households to grow their own food.
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. and Minister Randy Baltimore highlighted the initiative on Friday, describing it as a practical step toward increasing local food production and reducing dependence on imported produce.
The distribution formed part of a World Food Day celebration that brought together farmers, educators, students, agricultural partners and other stakeholders.
The seedlings included eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, beans, melons, Chinese cabbage, herbs and spices, providing households with a variety of crops suitable for backyard cultivation.
The initiative is intended to support both small-scale agricultural producers and ordinary residents interested in producing food for their families.
In a joint social media post, Smith and Baltimore said the activity demonstrated their commitment to putting food security into action.
“Every seedling planted is another step towards a more food-secure Antigua and Barbuda,” the ministers stated.
Photographs from the event showed displays of locally grown produce, including watermelons, root crops and vegetables, alongside students and agricultural officials participating in the celebrations.
The distribution also highlighted the importance of involving young people in agriculture and promoting greater awareness of local food production.
The initiative comes as Antigua and Barbuda continues efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector, expand domestic food production and encourage more households to participate in farming.
The Food and Agriculture Organization also lists a national seedling distribution drive in Antigua and Barbuda for October 16, aimed at promoting home and school gardening.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda distributes over 30,000 seedlings to farmers for World Food Day.