by Betty Vedrine/BIS

The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has officially launched the 2025 Agrarian Awards. This year’s event carries the theme, ‘Planting with Heart and Soil.’

A press conference was held at the ministry’s headquarters on Thursday, 31st July.  Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell said that farmers throughout the country have been committed to reaching the government’s objective of achieving food security.

“Across the length and breadth of the Bahamas, from our capital city to the smallest Family Island, our farmers have been innovating with purpose, producing with passion and planting not just with their hands, but with their hearts.  Today, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine resources, in partnership with the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO), proudly launches the 2025 Agrarian Awards under the theme: planting with heart and soil,” said Mr. Campbell.

The Minister said that this year’s theme is both a call to action and a celebration.  He said that It is a reminder that sustainable agriculture is not only about new technology or modern equipment but also about caring for the land, providing food for people, and building self-reliant communities.

“The Agrarian Awards is our ministry’s highest platform for recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in contributing to national food community transformation,” he said. “This year’s celebration will take place on October 18th, 2025 at the majestic Atlantis Ballroom and it promises to be our biggest and most meaningful celebration yet – with over $50,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded across a wide range of categories.”

Mr. Campbell also announced the recipient of the ‘Minister’s Choice, Lifetime Achievement’ award sponsored by Royal Caribbean is Mr. Pericles Maillis. He called Mr. Maillis ‘a towering figure in Bahamian agriculture’ whose decades of service, mentorship and unwavering dedication have shaped the lives of countless farmers and helped develop the agricultural landscape of our country.

The ‘Emerald Pioneer’ award will go to Forrester Bowe for his decades’ long dedication to Bahamian agriculture.  “He is 92 years old and still farming.  As a respected farmer and advocate for sustainable farming practices, Mr. Bowe has played a transformative role in advancing food security and inspiring future generations of Bahamian agrarians. His unwavering commitment to excellence and growth in the industry makes him truly deserving of this award.”

Awards will also be presented in the following categories:

Male Farmer of the Year

Female Farmer of the Year

Youth Farmer of the Year

School Farm of the Year

Community Farmer of the Year

Commercial Farm of the Year

Agri-processor of the Year

People’s Choice – Backyard Farmer of the Year.

All are expected to receive cash prizes.

The Minister encouraged nominations from every island, every settlement and every corner of the country’s agricultural community.  “To nominate a candidate, please visit www.adobahamas.org where you will find the official nomination forms, criteria and submission instructions.”

He also invited the public to participate in the selection of the People’s Choice awards.  “We are inviting the public to be a part of the selection process. To be a nominee, you must send a video or photo to: agrarianawards@gmail.com and our team will post your backyard farm for voting,” he said.  “To vote, simply like and follow the ministry’s Facebook page. You must follow the page for your vote to count. Your engagement will help determine this year’s backyard farming champion. The deadline for all nominations is September 1st at midnight.”

He said that once the finalists are announced, tickets will go on sale. “Ladies and gentlemen, this event is more than just an awards night.  It’s a tribute to resilience.  It’s a celebration of innovation.  It’s a moment to say, as a country, that we see our farmers, we value our Agri-leaders, and we believe that agriculture is the root of our national strength.”

He concluded by thanking the sponsors for this year’s awards and encouraged others to partner with the government to facilitate the success of the event. These sponsors include: Royal Caribbean, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), Caribbean Bottling, Super Value, ALIV, the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), Bahamasair and the Tourism Development Corporation.

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

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