An aging farming population poses a risk to the sustainability of the sector in Montserrat.
This was gleaned from a survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The results show that the majority of farmers, fishers and agri-producers are between the ages 45 to 64. Only 25 per cent are between 25 and 44, and 1 per cent below the age of 25.
According to the survey, which was commissioned between July and September, the agriculture sector is heavily male dominated with 75.3 per cent between the ages of 45 and 64.
The national survey marked a significant step toward strengthening Montserrat’s food systems and enhancing support for key producers in the island’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Principal Agricultural Officer, Melvin Lindsey, says it provided an insight into the types of production that are more popular among producers.