The Agricultural industry is one of the most important in the world. It provides
food for billions of people and employs millions of workers.
Here in Nevis, it is becoming one of the biggest industries and the Nevis
Government is going all out to help the local farmers.

What is the structure of the Ministry of Agriculture in Nevis?
The structure of the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for making policy
decisions and those departments are responsible for executing those policy
directions as well as ensuring that there is an environment for productivity.
The divisions include, Veterinary & Livestock, Abattoir, Agro- Processing,
Extension Services & Estates, Quarantine Services, Engineering (Small Farm
Equipment), Administration, Larinson Parry Agricultural Depot, and Forestry
Services.
What support can the Ministry of Agriculture provide to farmers?
The Ministry through the Department provides technical support, such as
training, facilitating tax concessions on farm inputs, assist with sale of agricultural
produce, veterinary service to livestock farmers, border protection from pest and
diseases, preparation of seedlings, dissemination of weather information.
How does the Ministry of Agriculture support the marketing of eggs and meat
items?
The Department does not directly support egg sales as farmers have an
established structure with their customers, our Veterinary Division monitors the
farms for health, safety, and productivity standards.
Meats (inclusive of Processed items) are sold via our abattoir division to
consumers and established hotels and restaurants.

Would it be possible for the Ministry of Agriculture to provide subsidies for
poultry feed so that farmers are protected from fluctuations in feed prices?
Feed is already subsidized by the Government through the Ministry of Trade
(Supply Office) in most cases the cost to farmers is below the cost of getting the
item to the island.
Do you think our agricultural system benefits from subsidies or are they
harmful?
Subsidies in agriculture is an internationally accepted practice where it seeks to
ensure that food is available to as many people as possible irrespective of
economic bracket.
Subsidies are beneficial however the lack of accountability within the sector
undermines the true impact, for example if a farmer does not know his costs of
production, his price structure does not accommodate for the benefits being
passed on the people of the country.
What do you think the government should do to change the farming industry?
To improve the farming industry there needs to be a proper business approach,
the embracing of mechanization and technological advances. We do have good
and productive farmers, but there is always room for improvement.
Has there been a change in government involvement with agriculture in Nevis?
Government’s role is to support farmers and farming at all levels; therefore,
government is always involved and, in many cases, too involved as it creates a
dependence issue for farmers.

The Environment
Has the government taken any steps to make farming more environmentally
friendly?
Agriculture is an activity by its very nature is environmentally friendly, efforts to
improve the environment will obviously increase productivity and quality.
What do you think of sustainable agriculture? Are you under any pressure to
move towards that practice?
The rest of the world is seeking to adopt this practice and it is not an issue for us
here in Nevis.
How do you feel about local/organic food?
It is the best way to have our production.
What are the types of Agro Processing at the Ministry of Agriculture?
We do agro processing in both meats (Burger Patties, Sausages, smoked meats
and crops (Jams, jellies, Drinks, Chips, and confectionaries)
What is the hardest part of farming?
The physical aspects are the most labour intensive, however the management
and accountability is the hardest part.
How do you deal with weeds? With insect pests?
This is done by keeping your property clean and where that fails there are a
number of organic compounds that are used to repel insects and pests.
What tools that farmers must employ to stay competitive? How do they differ
from those that have been used in earlier days?
There is no real competition, Nevis does not ever produce enough to satisfy local
demand, therefore if there is competition it is usually via pricing against imported
items.

The Future of Farming in Nevis
Do you think Nevisians care about modern Farming?
Of course, it allows for less labour-intensive activities and the use of AI in the
management aspect as well as the use of mechanization.
What changes do you predict farming in Nevis will see over the next 10 years?
There is the use of mechanization, and technological tools will improve
production.
What would you say were the biggest changes you have implemented?
I do not know how to answer that except that I try to listen when people have
obstacles in farming and use that information to assist in making their farms more
productive using the resources available to the ministry.
What advice could you give to anyone wanting to take up farming?
It is not a physically easy activity however it is extremely rewarding. It is
financially rewarding, physically it allows for exercise and mentally it is a very
calming activity.

Information received from the office of the Permanent Secretary