By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS 

Tribune Staff Reporter 

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources is set to host its annual Agri Expo to promote Bahamian agriculture and strengthen food security.

Under the theme, “Food Security is Our Priority,” Agri Expo 2025 will take place from April 4 to 6 at the Gladstone Road Agriculture Centre from 10am to 10pm daily. 

The event will feature over 80 food and artisan vendors, exhibits from local farms, fisheries, and agribusinesses, and live demonstrations on modern farming techniques, aquaponics, and sustainable fishing practices. 

Panel discussions will cover climate-smart agriculture, food processing, and agribusiness development, while hands-on workshops will focus on backyard farming, soil health, and pest management. The Youth in Agriculture segment will highlight young Bahamians’ contributions to the industry. Family-friendly activities will include a free kiddie corner, cooking demonstrations, and the Battle of the Islands culinary competition, featuring locally grown and harvested food. 

Thirteen schools with agricultural programmes are expected to display their produce, and participating farmers from across the country — including from Grand Bahama, North Eleuthera, Abaco, Cat Island, Exuma and Long Island — will showcase their agricultural products.

At a press conference, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Jomo Campbell reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting local food production.

“Our administration is dedicated to strengthening food security through direct investment in Bahamian farmers and fishers, promoting backyard farming, and leveraging technology to expand agriculture and aquaculture industries,” he said. “We are working tirelessly to create an environment where agriculture is seen as a viable career option, and we want to ensure that Bahamians have access to fresh, affordable, and locally grown food.”

To tackle food security challenges, the government is diversifying trade and establishing new trade routes. Mr Campbell pointed to the recent reduction in grocery prices at Super Value, the country’s largest grocery chain, made possible by sourcing products from a wider range of suppliers. “This is just the beginning. We will continue to seek innovative solutions to lower food costs and increase food production within our own borders,” he said.

Mr Campbell stressed that the expo is more than just an event — it is a movement toward a self-sufficient and sustainable Bahamas. “We are committed to building a resilient food system for future generations. Whether you are a farmer, fisher, entrepreneur, student, or simply someone who cares about our nation’s food future, Agri Expo 2025 has something for you,” he said. “This is an opportunity for us to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the incredible work being done in our agricultural sector.”