Backyard gardeners gathered at the Agricultural Extension Division (AED) office on Valley Road on Jan. 15 to collect seedlings for the Plant2Plate Competition, marking the start of the crop-growing phase of the national backyard gardening initiative.

The distribution began at 9 a.m. and was attended by Anthony Smith Jr. , Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, and Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher. Officials said the turnout reflected continued government support for community agriculture and household food production.

Gardeners queued to receive seedlings, signaling the launch of their individual plots and participation in the competition, which encourages residents to convert home spaces into productive gardens. Organizers said the programme promotes healthier eating, greater self-reliance and sustainable farming practices.

The AED coordinated the distribution, providing guidance to help participants establish and maintain their crops. Officials described the process as smooth and efficient, with participants leaving prepared to begin planting.

Seedlings distributed included beet, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, lettuce, thyme, chive, celery, kale, arugula, eggplant and Chinese cabbage.

The seedling handout represents an early milestone in the Plant2Plate Competition, which aims to strengthen food security by empowering citizens to grow fresh produce at home across Antigua and Barbuda.