Agriculture Ministry to Roll Out 600 Devices Against Crop Theft 

By Val Matthias. Updated 12:13 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Farmers in North Leeward struggling with praedial larceny may soon see relief, as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation Minister Israel Bruce announced new measures to combat the widespread problem. Speaking at a town hall meeting hosted by Tourism Minister Dr. Kishor Shallow, Minister Bruce pledged that his ministry is moving quickly to deliver on promises made to farmers. 

“I have already engaged the Taiwanese as to how we can look at cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwanese technical mission to help us to address the issue of praedial larceny,” Bruce said. He explained that discussions are underway to integrate Taiwanese expertise into local strategies against agricultural theft. 

The Minister also revealed that talks are nearly complete with a local telecommunications company to equip 400 to 600 farmers with handheld gadgets. These devices will feature an app and communication system linking farmers directly with each other, the police, and the ministry.

“The whole idea is to ensure that that gadget has an app and a receiving system that would allow you to be able to communicate properly and connect your gadget to motion cameras that are solar powered on your farms,” Bruce explained.

Praedial larceny defined as the theft of agricultural produce is a major challenge across the Caribbean. A FAO regional study found that 98% of producers have experienced theft, with losses discouraging investment and driving younger people away from farming. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Ministry of Agriculture has previously announced plans to establish a special task force using drone technology by 2025, in collaboration with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and Taiwan. 

Bruce’s announcement builds on these earlier initiatives, signaling a more immediate intervention for farmers in North Leeward. He urged patience, noting that the administration is still in its early months.

“We’ve just arrived, but we are working in your Favor, we are only two months and going, not two years and going. But we will do what we say we will do for the farmers of North Leeward,” he said. 

Praedial larceny is considered one of the most serious threats to agricultural development in the Caribbean, undermining food security and farmer livelihoods. 

In SVG, farmers are required to be registered and issued with a Farmers ID card, which helps authorities track legitimate producers and enforce anti-theft measures. 

The government’s multi-pronged approach now includes color-coded Farmers ID cards , drone surveillance, and the upcoming farmer communication gadgets. 

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