CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — AS Nevis joins the global community in observing World Food Day 2026, Minister of Agriculture Eric Evelyn is urging farmers, fishers and backyard gardeners to embrace innovation as the island works to strengthen food security and meet the growing demand for locally produced food.
Speaking ahead of the observance, which is being celebrated this year under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” Evelyn said the message was both timely and relevant to the changing demands of the agricultural sector.
He noted that farming practices have changed considerably over the years, drawing on his own 41 years of experience in the Department of Agriculture to highlight the importance of adapting to new technologies and methods.
“As we continue efforts at food security and providing nourishment to our population, forefront in our minds should be the constant need to innovate,” he said.
Evelyn said the sector had made significant progress in introducing new approaches across agriculture and fisheries, from land preparation and harvesting to value-added production and agro-processing. However, he stressed that these advances must continue if the island is to meet future food needs.
The minister pointed to changes in crop varieties, irrigation practices, pest control, shade-house production, harvesting and storage methods as examples of how innovation has transformed farming, also emphasizing that the fishing industry has also evolved, with improvements in fishing vessels, gear and the construction of fish traps.
Evelyn said the theme challenges the sector to build on these achievements as agriculture faces mounting pressures, particularly from climate change.
He described climate change as one of the industry's major challenges, noting that farmers must increasingly adopt climate-smart practices to reduce its effects on food production.
While acknowledging the progress made in this area, Evelyn said more work was needed to ensure that the island could continue to feed its population in the years ahead.
Evelyn reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry and Department of Agriculture to working closely with farmers and fishers to encourage the adoption of new techniques and approaches. He also urged those involved in food production to take advantage of the growing demand for fresh, wholesome, locally produced goods.
As part of the World Food Day 2026 observance, the Department of Agriculture organised several activities throughout the week to engage farmers, backyard gardeners and the wider community.
These included a seeds and pesticides sale at the Lawrenson Parry Agricultural Depot in Prospect from Monday, October 12, to Friday, October 16, with discounts available to farmers and backyard gardeners.
The department also scheduled the distribution of coconut plants at the Prospect Agricultural Station on Tuesday, October 13.
Another initiative, dubbed “Lend a Hand: Crop Farmers Assistance,” saw agricultural extension officers providing practical, hands-on support to farmers and backyard gardeners. The programme, which began the previous week, continued during the World Food Day period and also included assistance to schools.
Among those benefiting was Gingerland Secondary School, where support was provided for rehabilitation work on its shade house.
Evelyn also encouraged the public to mark World Food Day by eating at least one locally grown fruit and sharing a photograph for a chance to win prizes from the Department of Agriculture.
While reiterating his commitment to innovation and food security, Minister Evelyn called on farmers, backyard gardeners and fishers to continue working alongside the ministry and department in advancing local food production.
