ANTIGUA | Pringle wants Gaston Browne to deliver on his promise to provide concessions to egg farmers

ST JOHN, Antigua, September 25, 2024 - The United Progressive Party (UPP)  says it stands firmly behind our local egg farmers and recognizes their crucial role in the  nation's food security and agricultural development,

Political Leader Jamale Pringle says his party Iis committed to fostering a thriving agricultural sector that can meet the needs of our people and contribute significantly to our economy, while moving the country ahead of the “blue chicken” mentality of Antigua Labour Party Administrations.

The Party’s vision for the future of egg farming in Antigua and Barbuda is one of growth and sustainability. 

Pringle ihas called on the Gaston Browne Administration to deliver on its commitment to provide concessions that will help to offset rising production costs for the Antigua and Barbuda Layer Farmers Association – as well as immediate access to the egg box-making machine.

"These measures are essential for maintaining a stable egg supply without burdening consumers with significant price increases at a time like this, when the cost of food is already so high," the Political Leader states. 

"The UPP believe that the Agriculture Industry/Blue Economy deserves the same level of support and concessions as the Tourism Industry, since it envisions a future where our farmers not only feed the Nation but also supply a substantial portion of the hospitality sector’s  demands.

"The Party is committed to fostering an agricultural renaissance in Antigua and Barbuda, starting with our vital egg-farming sector and the schools’ agriculture programs, so it can replicate the successes enjoyed under its Minister of Agriculture,  Hilson Baptiste.

“We believe in the potential of our farmers and we are dedicated to creating an environment where they can flourish, innovate, and contribute significantly to our Nation’s prosperity,” Pringle continues. 

The UPP  says it aims to create an environment where locals can thrive and compete effectively and  "will advocate for policies that support our farmers while adhering to the CARICOM initiative to reduce agricultural imports by 25% by 2025."

This approach not only will strengthen our local sector but it will also contribute to regional food security.

To this end, Pringle says, the UPP supports initiatives that will lead to better training, increased knowledge, and a more skilled agricultural workforce. By investing in our farmers, we can create a more resilient and productive  sector, he adds.

While the Party understands the need to ensure a stable egg supply, it believes in policies that prioritize and protect ALL local production.

Accordingly, Pringle notes, the Party has enabled its shadow Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Algernon Watts, to embark on two trips abroad – to the United States and China – to expand his knowledge of international standards and practices and determine what the local sector needs to thrive.

The UPP remains committed to working collaboratively with farmers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions. 

As we move forward, we will continue to advocate for policies that "place our farmers in a position to assist the development of food security for Antigua and Barbuda."

Says Political Leader Jamale Pringle: “As the Party has long asserted, ‘Ebrybady must nyam!”

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