wo representatives from the Inter –American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) are on island, conducting an assessment as part of a previous agreement to assist the ministry of Agriculture improve the genetics of small ruminants.

Dr. Manuel David Sanchez Hermosillo, Representative for Dominican Republic and Ms. Una May Gordon Representative for Eastern Caribbean are currently conducting an assessment to derive ways in which Antigua & Barbuda could develop specific proposals to increase the production of sheep and goats.

The Fisheries Division is requesting that all persons with aquaculture / aquaponics farms, whether for subsistence or commercial use to register their business.

The Division is particularly interested in the type of farms, the products grown, and to ensure that the products grown are safe for consumption and free of chemical residues.

As a group, the Fisheries Division, and the Ministry of Agriculture as a whole could provide technical and other benefits, for persons to enhance / expand their business.

Agriculture officials have issued a concerted call for farmers to cut the excessive use of pesticides and switch to the more conventional method of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

The sentiments were echoed on Wednesday, during a farmers’ workshop held at the Fisheries Complex, with specific objectives to sensitize them on the alternative methods to pesticide usage, and its economic value.

In an effort to reduce the level of Pesticide dependency and intensity which has the potential to negatively affect our biodiversity and consumers’ confidence in the quality of food, the Agricultural Extension Services Division will be holding an Integrated Pest Management (IPM), workshop for agricultural producers.

The workshop set for 16th November 2011 at the Fisheries Complex Point Wharf, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., is the first set in a series to offer a holistic solution to Agricultural Producers.

Flanked by officials in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, families, friends, co –workers and well-wishers, Ms. Genevieve Williams during an appreciation ceremony on the occasion of her retirement after 39 –years in the service, left strong advice for civil servants in her parting words.

28 October 2011....St. Johns, Antigua: In recognition of the role that farmers’ play towards the attainment of the country’s food security thrust, eight farmers were honored – two women, two youths and four stalwarts during a ceremony held at the Fisheries Complex Point Wharf, Friday Morning.