At the request of the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Samal Duggins, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is supporting national efforts to enhance food security through the project “Supporting the Development of the Porcine Industry in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

This initiative supports the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Strategy developed in response to the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM’s) “25 by 2025” Agenda, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill.

To strengthen the porcine industry, the Ministry of Agriculture has welcomed two regional consultants, Dr. Teola Noel and Dr. Vindya Sahatoo, from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. These experts bring significant knowledge and are engaging key stakeholders, conducting field assessments, and advising on strategic development within the sector.

The mission began in Nevis with site visits and a successful Pig Stakeholders Consultation, enabling meaningful dialogue among farmers, veterinarians, and industry players. These sessions helped identify current challenges and future opportunities. On September 4, the consultants moved to St. Kitts to continue their work, aiming to promote collaboration, share best practices, and support sustainable growth in the porcine industry.