The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging farmers to become involved in land tenure – an offer being made by the Government of Anguilla to promote food production and security.
A press release from the Department of Natural Resources states that, with effect from July 5, 2021, it will commence processing applications from farmers for land tenure of Government agricultural lands. These lands are mainly available in The Valley Bottom and Wallblake Estate areas.
The lands will be licensed and available in quarter acre lots at EC$300.00; half acre at EC$600.00 and one acre at EC$1,000.00 – per annum.
Applicants include all persons currently farming government agricultural lands and new farmers now wishing to do so.
The Department of Natural Resources is a merger of the Departments of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries and Marine Resources. It was established by the present government in an effort to streamline operations and improve public services. The vision is to achieve sustainable food production, food security and environmental governance as components of long-term economic development and climate resilience in Anguilla.
The mission is to deliver best practices in food production and environmental governance which emphasises entrepreneurship, public engagement and, ultimately, sustainable development.
The Department is under the leadership of Ms Melissa Meade. It is part of the portfolio of Mr. Kyle Hodge, Minister of Economic Development, Commerce, Information Technology and Natural Resources. He works in close cooperation with Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, the Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Economic Development and Natural Resources, who is also involved in the Ministry of Tourism.
