The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) has reported progress in reviving the Antigua Black Pineapple.
Craig Thomas, IICA’s Country Coordinator, shared updates at an Accountability Seminar, noting that the government requested assistance due to concerns over the fruit’s decline.
IICA, along with CARDI and the Ministry of Agriculture, provided technical support, sending pineapple suckers to St. Vincent for propagation.
A milestone was reached with the delivery of 1,000 plantlets, marking the first time the Antigua Black Pineapple was propagated this way.
Discussions continue to determine the fruit’s authenticity, while IICA and FAO work to strengthen its value chain.
Additionally, IICA’s Eastern Caribbean Representative, Gregg Rawlins, has made several official visits in Antigua, including meetings with Minister of Agriculture Anthony Smith and other officials.
