Last Updated on July 10, 2026, 8:25 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) visited St. Kitts and Nevis on Thursday to discuss sustainable agriculture and food security issues. Minister of Agriculture Samal Duggins extended a warm welcome to the team and engaged in fruitful discussions with them.
The Food and Agriculture Organization FAO also visited various sites across the island nation to examine which of them will be suitable for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production. Not only this, but they also had a plenary meeting with the Department of Agriculture.
Minister Duggins alongside Permanent Secretary Randel Thompson officially welcomed the FAO representatives Renata Clarke and Anthony Kellaman. The Ministry shared that the courtesy visit of the FAO delegates was about reaffirming the ministry’s ongoing commitment of advancing sustainable agriculture, fisheries, food security and rural development in the federation.
This meeting was also led by the Minister Samal Duggins and during the meeting officials had discussion on the Country Programming Framework (CPF). The department further mentioned that to strengthen the collaboration, officials also discussed new measures to support the resilience, growth, and sustainability in the marine and agricultural sectors.
Additionally, Rakesh Bhukal, representatives from the FAO accompanied by the officers of the agriculture department visited various sites in the island to examine them to check the potential for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production. The team first visited the Bayford’s and further visited Needmust, Conaree and Eco Park.
The Agriculture department stated that through the site visit team collect valuable insights regarding suitable locations for advancing sustainable insect-based solutions. The department mentioned that Black Soldier Fly helps in supporting agriculture, livestock production and waste management in the federation.
The FAO also had a main meeting with the department of agriculture which was attended by the key stakeholders including Head of the FAO Subregional Office for the Caribbean Dr Renata Clarke, Anthony Kellman Projects officer at the FAO Subregional Office for the Caribbean. The Federation was represented by Randel Thompson, Permanent Secretary and accompanied by the officers from the agriculture department.
Notably, the ministry stated that through this collaborative partnership with the FAQ they are continuously working on sustainable agriculture, fisheries, food security and enhancing the agricultural sector across St. Kitts and Nevis.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
