Cabinet Targets 15% Cut in Food Imports Through Expanded Local ProductionThe Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has endorsed a national strategy aimed at reducing selected food imports by 15% through expanded local agricultural production, in line with the CARICOM “25 by 2025 plus five” food security initiative. “It believes that about 1,200 heads of livestock, representing about $1.7 million imported, can be reduced and produced here in Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said. “The increased production of sheep and swine will make a significant dent in the import bill of the government of Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said. Merchant said Cabinet views food security as a critical national issue and has directed agriculture officials to move quickly with implementation. “Food security is a very, very serious matter for the Gaston Browne administration,” he said.