Farming grows independence, minister says

Growth in the farming sector and increased food security are vital to the future of Cayman, a minister has said.

Jay Ebanks, whose ministry is responsible for agriculture, told MPs during Parliament’s Finance Committee on 13 Nov. that a country that was over-reliant on imports was on dangerous ground.

“Agriculture is not a pastime; it is a pillar of resilience.”

He said the government continued to implement policies designed to guarantee food security designed to increase production, lower costs and support the islands’ farmers.

“Food security is sovereignty,” he said. “When we grow our own food, we grow our independence.”

He added: “Key actions include expanding the farm roads, strengthening biosecurity, establishing the agro park and aggregation centre, training farmers through extension services, developing the feed and input strategy and supporting disaster-resilient production.”

In addition, he said that the government was also fostering increased markets through direct links with hotels, stores and schools.

Ebanks highlighted a single farmer had won a contract to supply 60 dozen eggs – 720 – every week to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

“That is one farmer alone that has that contract and we continue to push each one of our farmers in the hospitality sector.

“This is transforming Caymanian farmers, proving our produce can stand proudly on the world stage.”

He told MPs the contract was signed through the efforts of the National Egg Strategy (NEST).

The strategy was designed to double domestic egg production and capture 40% of the Cayman market.

Ebanks added, “Caymanian agriculture is also gaining international visibility with the Cayman Cookout showcasing local eggs, herbs, greens and meat.”

Cayman is one of the fastest-growing destinations for US food exports and imports have increased by an average of 8.1% a year over the past decade – nearly double the Caribbean average.

Food import costs jumped 8.5% to US$286.3 million between 2023 and 2024 alone.

The country recorded big increases across categories that included fruit, vegetables, meat, cereals and spices.

The High Rock Agro Park, in East End, was set up to provide suitable, serviced farmland and the aggregation centre will act as a distribution point for produce to boost efficiency.