TABASCO PEPPER INITIATIVE REFLECTS GOVERNMENT’S PROACTIVE STRATEGY TO DIVERSIFY AGRICULTURE AS PROJECT MOVES TO NEXT PHASE

(MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts, 24 March 2025): The Tabasco Pepper Project in St. Kitts is advancing smoothly and is now prepared for the next phase of production, signifying a notable achievement for the nation’s agriculture sector.

Addressing the progress of the project, Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources, announced that the government has acquired 100 acres of land dedicated to Tabasco pepper cultivation. He revealed that for the first time in St. Kitts’ history, these peppers will soon be exported to the United States, positioning the nation as a key player in the global agribusiness market. Minister Duggins remarked, “Regarding the Tabasco project so far, we’ve done the experimental plot, and we see some really good results. We had the expert from Tabasco here, and they are quite impressed with the results they are seeing in St. Kitts, and they have indicated that we have a bright future ahead for our growing. In this regard, we are now rolling out the actual production sites, and we have been acquiring some land. To date, I think we have acquired over 100 acres of land to put into production for Tabasco peppers. It’s a three-month process to harvest, and we are hoping by the end of this year that we will be exporting agricultural produce for the first time in a long time to the United States, and so that project is ongoing and going very well. We are seeing the fruits of that already emerging.”

Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, said this initiative exemplifies the government’s proactive strategy for economic diversification and sustainable growth. He also highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative, noting that this initiative will help to meet the evolving demands of the job market. PM Drew stated, “Every acre is 3–5 workers, so if you have 100 acres, you get an idea of how many jobs that will create, and we want to do about 200 acres eventually or more. In addition to that, the minister will tell you that we will diversify and grow other crops so that we can export and supply in larger markets. So [in] agriculture, we are making necessary investments, as food security is critical for us as a people.”

This announcement follows a field visit by Christian Brown, Field Technician for the McIlhenny Company, the owner of the world-renowned TABASCO® brand. During the visit to Fahies Estate in Newton Ground, Mr. Brown, who oversees coordination with pepper growers for TABASCO®, evaluated the project’s progress and provided expert feedback, noting his satisfaction with the soil fertility on the island and the overall development of the operation. The field agent then shared valuable insights and technical advice with local staff, commending the government’s commitment to agricultural diversification and enhancement. His positive assessment highlights the potential for St. Kitts to contribute significantly to the global supply of Tabasco peppers.

As the project advances to its next phase, the Ministry of Agriculture remains focused on ensuring its success through continued collaboration with international partners and the implementation of sustainable farming practices.

The TABASCO® brand, renowned for its significant demand in hot sauce and spicy condiment production, offers a lucrative opportunity for the Federation, with the first harvest anticipated within six to eight months. 

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