Gaston Browne has revived the national debate on food security, warning that Antigua and Barbuda’s heavy dependence on imported food—especially from the United States—leaves the country exposed if supply chains are disrupted.
Speaking on radio, Browne said a prolonged interruption in shipments could have serious consequences, arguing that current consumption patterns make the country overly reliant on external suppliers and highlighting the urgency of expanding domestic food production.
His remarks come amid growing uncertainty affecting regional and global supply chains, including geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions, labour shortages, climate impacts on agriculture and congestion at major ports. He also pointed to policy shifts and tighter trade and transport controls that can slow the movement of goods even without a major crisis.
Browne again called for stronger private-sector involvement in agriculture, saying government cannot shoulder the burden alone. He cited his own participation in commercial farming as proof the sector can be profitable and urged investors to treat agriculture as a viable business opportunity rather than subsistence activity.
