Minister Campbell Reports Significant Progress in Food Security, Agricultural Development and Marine Resource Protection

NASSAU, The Bahamas - Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo C. Campbell, highlighted major achievements and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening national food security, expanding agricultural production, supporting Bahamian farmers and fishermen, and protecting the country's marine resources during the delivery of his Budget Communication for the 2026/2027 fiscal year on Wednesday, 17th June.

Addressing the House of Assembly, Minister Campbell reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to building a more resilient, self-reliant and food-secure Bahamas through investments in agriculture, fisheries, youth development, infrastructure, and data-driven policymaking.

"Our policy direction is clear: The Bahamas must grow more of what we eat, protect more of what we harvest, train more Bahamians to participate in these sectors, and create more pathways for local enterprise to succeed," Minister Campbell said.

Mr. Campbell gave a progress report of the various projects and initiatives undertaken by the ministry over the past year.

Golden Yolk Project Advances Food Security Goals

A key highlight of the Ministry's work remains the Golden Yolk Project, a national initiative designed to strengthen domestic egg production and reduce dependence on imports.

The Ministry completed its responsibilities for the current phase of the project, including:

• Construction of two poultry houses;
• Establishment of an egg processing facility;
• Purchase of 10,000 chickens; and
• Procurement of the necessary feed and equipment to support operations.

By the end of May 2026, the project had supplied approximately 8,000 eggs to the local market and is expected to generate between 30 and 40 jobs. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to rebuild national poultry production capacity, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the domestic food system.

$1.85 Million in Grants Support Farmers, Fishermen and Small Businesses

The Ministry also advanced a grant programme aimed at supporting agriculture and marine resource enterprises throughout The Bahamas.

A total of $1.85 million was distributed to 118 grantees across New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. Recipients included farmers, fishermen, cooperatives, vendors and small business operators involved in agriculture, fisheries, food processing, crafts, coconut production, straw work, preserves and other productive industries. The programme helped recipients purchase equipment, vessels, engines and production inputs while strengthening cooperative development and encouraging sustainable economic growth.

Agricultural Census Pilot Modernizes Data Collection

For the first time since 1994, The Bahamas is moving toward a comprehensive agricultural census. The National Agricultural Census Pilot Project, implemented in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Bahamas National Statistical Institute and the Inter-American Development Bank, successfully tested modern digital data collection methods in Abaco, Eleuthera and New Providence.

Key achievements included:

• 146 completed surveys;
• Training of 22 enumerators;
• Deployment of ArcGIS Survey123 technology; and
• Successful testing of digital farmer registration, mapping and data management systems.

The pilot confirmed that a full national agricultural census is both technically feasible and achievable with proper preparation and coordination.

Expanded Family Island Services

The Ministry continued its Family Island development agenda through the opening of a new Department of Agriculture office and the first BAIC Fish and Farm Store in Cat Island. The facility provides farmers and fishermen with access to supplies, registration services, technical support and institutional assistance closer to home. Additionally, both high schools in Cat Island received $2,500 vouchers redeemable at the Fish and Farm Store as part of a wider programme supporting 30 schools throughout the country.

The Ministry also announced plans to open two additional offices and deploy tractors, vessels, trucks, trailers and other support equipment across several islands, including Acklins, Exuma, San Salvador, Grand Bahama, Grand Cay and Farmers Cay.

Agriculture and Marine Cadet Programme Engages Youth

The Agriculture and Marine Cadet Programme continues to gain momentum since its launch in October 2025. The programme now includes:

• 163 registered cadets;
• 12 participating high schools;
• Eight islands represented; and
• Online learning support through Google Classroom.

Students receive practical training in agriculture, aquaponics, composting, livestock management and marine resource stewardship, helping create a pipeline of future professionals for the sector.

Strengthened Marine Resource Enforcement

The Department of Marine Resources reported significant enforcement successes during the fiscal year, including the high-profile Red Dawn I and Red Dawn II operations, which resulted in substantial fines, vessel bonds and multi-year fishing bans. Recently, he explained, Operation Dragnet brought together multiple agencies and partners, resulting in the seizure of:

• A 65.4-foot sport fishing vessel;
• Illegal fishing equipment;
• Illegally harvested fish;
• Drugs;
• A firearm; and
• Ammunition.

The Ministry emphasized that protecting marine resources remains essential to safeguarding livelihoods, food security, national security and export earnings.

New Commercial Fishing Training Programme to Launch

To address workforce shortages within the commercial fishing industry, the Ministry announced plans to launch a National Apprentice Commercial Fishing Training Programme in partnership with the Bahamas Commercial Fishing Vessels Owners Association and the Lowell J. Mortimer Marine Academy.

The programme will provide training in:

• Maritime safety certification (STCW);
• Seamanship and vessel operations;
• Marine engineering;
• Fisheries management;
• Dive certification;
• HACCP certification; and
• Fish pot construction.

The initiative is designed to develop a new generation of skilled Bahamian commercial fishermen while improving safety and workforce readiness.

Public Market and Arawak Cay Improvements Completed

Major infrastructure upgrades were completed at Arawak Cay, including:

• Restroom renovations;
• Storage enhancements;
• Roof and structural repairs;
• Plumbing and electrical improvements;
• Lighting upgrades;
• Fence and gate repairs; and
• General refurbishment works.

Approval has also been granted for nine new souvenir stalls within a designated cultural activity area, with six stalls already allocated.

National Crop Schedule to Reduce Food Imports

Through the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), the Ministry is implementing a National Crop Schedule aimed at reducing the country's food import bill and improving agricultural productivity. The strategy aligns crop production with market demand and identifies priority crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, onions, cucumbers and sweet peppers.

Building on the success of the North Andros Commercialization Project, the Ministry is establishing clear production targets and strengthening market connections between farmers, wholesalers, retailers, hotels and consumers.

Agriculture Emerges as One of The Bahamas' Fastest-Growing Sectors

Minister Campbell highlighted data from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute showing substantial growth in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector.

Real economic output increased from $50.1 million in 2022 to $91.1 million in 2025, representing growth of nearly 82%.

The Minister noted that the increase reflects the contributions of farmers, fishermen, entrepreneurs, public servants and communities working together to strengthen food security and national resilience.

Looking Ahead

The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources remains focused on advancing food security, supporting farmers and fishermen, expanding opportunities for youth, strengthening Family Island access, protecting marine resources and building a sustainable agricultural economy.

"Every initiative undertaken during this budget cycle reflects our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable sector," Minister Campbell stated. "Agriculture and marine resources are not relics of the past; they are pillars of the future."

(BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)