Prime Minister Gaston Browne is urging Antiguans and Barbudans to consume more locally produced food, warning that a heavy reliance on processed imports is fuelling chronic disease and driving up the nation's healthcare costs.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks during an appearance on the Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, where he argued that food security and healthier eating habits must be pursued together.
"We need our people to eat healthier. We need to eat more of our local foods," Browne said.
The prime minister pointed to imported processed foods as a key driver behind the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. "The processed foods are what's killing us," he said, adding that greater consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and locally produced meats would improve public health outcomes.
Browne outlined several government investments aimed at expanding domestic food production, including the development of the Diamonds Agro-Industrial Park, the Christian Valley agro-tourism project and the construction of two modern abattoirs.
He said strengthening local agriculture would serve multiple purposes — improving national food security, reducing the country's import bill and helping to lower the overall cost of living.
Browne also noted that healthier diets would ease pressure on the healthcare system by reducing the incidence of chronic illnesses requiring long-term treatment.
The comments formed part of a broader discussion on the government's plans to modernise the agriculture sector while encouraging residents to support local farmers by choosing locally grown and produced food.
