Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., has expressed satisfaction with the progress made in restoring and boosting production of the Antigua Black Pineapple.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has embarked on an ambitious initiative to revive the iconic fruit, with a goal of cultivating over 200,000 plants by the end of 2026.

The first step in the restoration process involved selecting premium strains of the Antigua Black Pineapple from 10 local farmers. These selected strains underwent a tissue culture clean-up process and were sent to a laboratory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for propagation.

“We had our first 15,000 slips come in from the lab in St. Vincent. At Cades Bay, we have already planted all 15,000 of those pineapple slips, and we are now awaiting an additional 15,000 to arrive.

We are also working with our local pineapple farmers to obtain more slips, which are currently being planted at Cades Bay as well. I must say again that I am very proud of the Ministry of Agriculture and where we are at the moment with the resuscitation of the Antigua Black Pineapple,” Minister Smith stated.

According to the Minister, Antiguans and Barbudans will have an opportunity to witness the progress made during Piango Fest, scheduled for October 17th at Cades Bay.

“I’ll use this opportunity to invite the local population to Piango Fest on October 17th, which will be held at Cades Bay—the same location where the pineapples are being cultivated.

As part of the event, we will have officers from the station available to guide members of the public through the fields and demonstrate the progress we’ve made with the resuscitation effort,” he added.

Minister Smith also acknowledged the critical support of regional and international partners in the restoration efforts.

“Again, we are very proud of where we are. We must thank our partners: IICA for the role they’ve played, CARDI, who have also made a major contribution, and the FAO for their assistance.

Most importantly, we must thank the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for the resources they have committed to the resuscitation of our Antiguan Black Pineapple.”

He emphasized the pivotal role of local farmers and revealed that, once available, the Ministry will begin distributing pineapple heads to farmers to support wider cultivation.

He also encouraged youth participation in agriculture, especially in pineapple production, highlighting its profitability and strong government support.

The Antigua Black Pineapple, renowned for its distinctive sweetness, is more than just a crop—it is a national treasure and a powerful symbol of Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural heritage.

This initiative not only safeguards the genetic legacy of the fruit but also promotes it on local, regional, and international platforms.