The Ministry of Agriculture is aggressively working to meet its objective of improving the country’s food security and safety. 

During his 2025-2026 Budget Contribution, June 18, 2025 under the theme, ‘Expanding Opportunities, Island by Island,’ Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell said that the current budget demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing domestic farming, local food production and providing opportunities for Bahamians in these industries through monetary assistance and a staff complement of committed workers.

“The dedicated employees at the ministry of agriculture and marine resources have sought to fulfill our mandate to improve food security with the introduction of new technology, new methodologies and by assisting and encouraging farmers and fishers.”

He said that the Ministry, which comprises six departments and public entities, including the department of agriculture; the department of marine resources; the department of cooperatives; the Bahamas agricultural and industrial corporation (BAIC); the Bahamas agricultural health and safety authority (BAHFSA) and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).

“According to the world bank national accounts data, since this administration came to office, agriculture, forestry and farming has jumped 26.3 percent – the highest growth in 33 years! 

“This surge is attributed to increased domestic production & government initiatives to boost agriculture leading to enhanced crop yields.  Additionally, record breaking numbers in the tourism sector led to higher demands for locally sourced food products – further contributing to the sector’s growth,” he said.

He said that initiatives, such as the agriculture school support program, implemented throughout the public school system, have been a success. 

He said that tractors have also been sent to the islands of Cat island and Exuma to aid with land preparation for farmers.  Currently, a John Deere tractor is making its way to Abaco.

The Ministry has also been giving attention to revitalizing the swine industry at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre (GRAC).

“We expect that this program will have widespread results.  Firstly, the national unit will have wide-reaching impact to farmers all over the country.  Currently, the Bahamas spends $18 million on pork and pork products.  By impacting production practices, origin and quality of these products, we expect that the health of consumers will improve through better consumption and the cost of the product will significantly decrease.”

The Minister also touted success at the GRAC Plant Propagation Unit, which has been able to provide Bahamian farmers with high quality seedlings at subsidized prices. He said that the quality of the produce and seedlings generated were evident during the recent staging of the Agri-Expo held in April.

He discussed the allocation of $200,000 for the feeder farm road and land clearing programme, which was disbursed throughout the Family Islands inclusive of New Providence. This initiative known as the 50/50 programme, he said, assists farmers with the clearing of their farmland and feeder farm roads.

Food safety, as a key component in the processing of food, was also addressed.  Mr. Campbell said that during the fiscal period of 2024-2025, the food safety technology laboratory unit continued to support the local food processing industries.  This assistance, he noted, took the form of training, co-packing, demonstrations and sharing of important technical information.

BAMSI also received assistance with the juicing and packing of celery juice, bottled tomatoes, coconut water, and guava, strawberry, mango and pineapple preserves.  Additionally, demonstrations were staged at several public schools for preparation for  BGCSE exams.    

The Department of Agriculture, he explained, is preparing three food processing facilities situated on New Providence, Eleuthera and Cat island.

He also mentioned that preparations are currently being made to facilitate upgrades to the abattoir as the current building is still in need of repairs.

Genetic diversity is being brought to the island’s sheep population with the donation of seven sheep to the annual Long Island Mutton Festival.  A new vehicle was also purchased to assist with farm inspections and other duties.

Regular meetings with farmers throughout the country continue to be held in addition to local training opportunities for staff to improve skill sets.  In addition, the department continues to partner with international non-governmental partners such as the FAO, IICA and CARDI on various regional and national projects.

“The DOA in partnership with IICA, will conduct the national agricultural census later this year,” said Mr. Campbell. “It is anticipated that upon the completion of the census that updated and accurate information on land usage, labour, agricultural inputs, farm size in the Bahamian agricultural sector, will be readily available. Such information is crucial to policy development, research and the overall impact of agriculture with regards to employment and any environmental impact.”

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