Residents are being urged to register now for the Plant to Plate Backyard Gardening Competition, which is offering cash prizes ranging from $3,500 to $7,500 as part of the government’s wider push to strengthen household food security and reduce reliance on imported produce.

Organisers say registration is open to both new and existing backyard gardeners, with the process available online for access on mobile phones or desktop devices. Individuals who are not yet registered as backyard gardeners are required to complete that step before entering the competition.

The initiative forms part of national efforts to encourage more households across Antigua and Barbuda to grow their own food, build resilience at the community level and lower the cost of living through home production.

Prizes will be awarded to top participants, with first place receiving $7,500, second place $5,000 and third place $3,500. In addition to the cash incentives, registered gardeners will have access to technical guidance and support through the agricultural extension services.

Registration for the competition can be completed online at https://shorturl.at/9zD8D, while persons wishing to sign up as backyard gardeners for the first time may do so at https://shorturl.at/ag4lq.

Officials are encouraging interested households to register early, noting that broader participation is key to expanding local food production and strengthening national food security.