Executive Summary

On September 13th, 2025, the St. Kitts Consortium of Farmers and Food Producers will begin its second coordinated planting program, officially launching on September 16th, 2025. Building on the 2023–2024 experience, the program aims to demonstrate consistency in production, strengthen farmer coordination, and improve market access. Lessons from the previous cycle; including land preparation delays, input shortages, drought, and marketing challenges; will guide improvements in this year’s program.

Introduction

The Consortium was established in 2021 to give farmers a stronger collective voice. The first program (2023–2024) showed both the potential and challenges of organized production. With renewed commitment, the 2025–2026 program seeks to expand participation and adopt improved systems to ensure better results.

Goals of the 2025–2026 Program

– Organize farmers around a coordinated production plan.
– Establish reliable records for production and marketing.
– Reduce import dependency under the 25×25 concept.
– Strengthen partnerships with supermarkets, hotels, and food services.
– Introduce improved systems for seedlings, land prep, and market communication.

Program Description

• Start Date: September 13, 2025
• Official Launch: September 16, 2025
• Crops: Sweet Pepper, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Carrot, Onion
• Duration: 8 months planting period, with harvests expected from November 2025 through June 2026.
• Participants: All Consortium members are encouraged to join; new participants are welcome.
• Coordination: A program coordinator will oversee records, reminders, and communication.

Improvements from 2023–2024 Cycle

– Early land preparation (tractors and plots to be ready by August 2025).
– Collective seed/input purchasing before program launch.
– Strengthened partnerships with nurseries for reliable seedlings.
– Training sessions on pest management and good agricultural practices.
– Market agreements to reduce spoilage and ensure consistent sales.

Expected Outputs

– At least 20 farmers actively participating.
– Monthly delivery of targeted crops to the Marketing Unit and/or direct buyers.
– Documented records of yields, challenges, and sales.
– Data to inform the 2026–2027 program.

Challenges Anticipated & Mitigation

– Drought risk: Encourage water harvesting and efficient irrigation.
– Feral animals: Partner with animal control initiatives.
– Market glut: Secure agreements with supermarkets and explore export options.
– Seed shortages: Acquire all seeds and inputs before September 13th.

Recommendations for Long-Term Development

– Explore agri-processing to manage surpluses.
– Establish cold storage through cooperative facilities.
– Formalize agreements (MOUs) with major buyers.
– Build a digital dashboard for real-time production and sales tracking.

Conclusion

The Consortium, strengthened by its 2023-2024 experience, is positioned to launch a more effective and impactful planting program in 2025–2026. With timely preparation, reliable inputs, and improved market linkages, we can demonstrate that farmers in St. Kitts & Nevis are consistent, reliable, and ready to transform agriculture.