Montserrat’s agriculture sector is small but significant, especially for local food security, cultural identity, and economic diversification. Due to the 1995 Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption, much of the island’s arable land in the south was lost, but farming continues in the northern safe zone.
Overview of Agriculture in Montserrat
Main Agricultural Activities
- Crop Farming
- Focus on subsistence and small-scale commercial farming
- Common crops:
- Sweet potatoes
- Cassava
- Yams
- Dasheen (taro)
- Plantains and bananas
- Peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables
- Fruits: mangoes, soursop, guava, and pawpaw (papaya)
- Livestock Farming
- Goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry
- Local meat and eggs contribute to domestic consumption
- Fishing
- A vital part of the island’s food supply and culture
- Nearshore fishing for snapper, grouper, and lobster
- Agro-processing
- Small-scale production of:
- Cassava bread
- Fruit preserves and juices
- Seasonings and pepper sauces
- Small-scale production of:
Challenges
- Limited arable land due to volcanic exclusion zones
- Water shortages and irrigation issues in dry seasons
- Pests and crop diseases
- Aging farming population
- Dependency on food imports (Montserrat imports a large share of what it consumes)
Government Support & Development Goals
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment (MALHE) supports farmers with:
- Equipment
- Training and extension services
- Seed and livestock programs
- Focus areas:
- Promoting climate-resilient agriculture
- Encouraging youth in farming
- Expanding greenhouse and hydroponic farming
- Supporting organic practices and sustainable land use
Recent Trends
- Growth in home gardening and community farming (especially post-COVID)
- Interest in heritage crops and traditional farming methods
- Potential for agro-tourism development
