The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry has officially launched the Agricultural Development Assistance Programme (ADAP) 2026, a revised version of the farm labour support programme.
The 2026 phase of ADAP will see an additional budgetary funding support of approximately EC$1 million. The initiative provides labour and input support to farmers to help strengthen agricultural production to ensure they are given the best chance of success, while at the same time boosting local production.
Chief Extension Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry Lauren St Louis said the programme will be led by the Extension Division, which serves as the bridge between policymakers and farmers. “The Extension Division implements policies and programmes of the MOA so in that case the Extension Division will be spearheading this programme with support from the coordinator of ADAP John Andrew and his team.
St Louis further explained that Extension Officers will conduct farm assessments for applicants, as well as provide continuous monitoring of the programme to ensure value for money and that targets are met.
St Louis emphasised that the programme aligns with regional food security goals, including Caricom’s 25 by 25 + 5 Initiative and the OECS Food and Agricultural Systems Transformation Strategy (FAST), which aims to increase food production. “To ensure that we increase regional trade and have all systems in place in a systematic manner in keeping with the regional food security drive.
The ADAP Programme was initially rolled out in 2023, with budgetary support in 2023 and 2024 totalling 1.8 million. In 2025, an additional 800,000 was injected into the programme.
Supervisor of the ADAP Programme John Andrew outlined the key eligibility requirements and objectives of the initiative. “The programme this year is designed to cater to the needs of registered and actively producing farmers who have access to legally viable plots of land of ¼ acre and above, and who are committed to working alongside the Ministry’s programmes and activities.”
Andrew noted that the programme aims to increase agricultural output through the establishment of new plots, rehabilitation of existing fields, and expansion of production in priority crops.
Priority Crops for ADAP 2026
The programme will focus on supporting the cultivation of:
- Bananas
- Plantains
- Sweet potatoes
- Yams
- Dasheen
- Corn and peas
- Carrots
- Sweet peppers
- Hot peppers
According to the ADAP Coordinator, the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, is encouraging commercial-scale cultivation, with support targeting:
- Approximately 1 acre for bananas
- ½ acre for crops such as plantain, corn, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and hot peppers
- Around ¼ acre for crops, including tomatoes, sweet peppers, yams, and dasheen
Areas of Focus
Farmers approved under the programme may receive support in the following areas:
- Labour assistance (land clearing, planting, maintenance, harvesting)
- Seeds and seedlings
- Tractor services
- Material inputs, including insecticides, weedicides, and growth boosters
Applications can be submitted:
- Online via the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry’s Facebook page
- In person at district extension offices islandwide
Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, and Forestry… ensuring food and nutrition security for all!
The allocation is not enough. This less than a quarter of what the pm spends on his travels.