FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Department of Agriculture and CUC Partner to Repurpose Vegetation Material for Agricultural Use
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands — 15 April 2026 Vegetation material generated during routine powerline maintenance will now be repurposed to support agriculture rather than transported to landfill under a new agreement between the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. (CUC).
The agreement allows chipped vegetation material produced through CUC’s vegetation management activities to be delivered to a designated Department of Agriculture location, where it will be available for public and agricultural collection to support soil improvement.
Proper vegetation management is essential: Vegetation contact with power lines may lead to electrical shock, fires, and power outages. Proactive vegetation management helps to keep our communities safe, protects the grid, and improves resilience from storm‑related damage. Property owners are asked to manage landscaping to prevent overgrowth, when vegetation encroaches on the powerlines, it becomes unsafe for personnel without specialized training to address this growth. CUC routinely addresses vegetation growth on roadways and public areas and will assist and advise property owners if landscaping growth is becoming or becomes unsafe. In the past, much of the resulting green waste from the vegetation management, was transported to the landfill for disposal.
Under the new arrangement, that material will instead be redirected for productive use within the agricultural sector.
Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, the Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, said the initiative represents a practical partnership that supports both environmental stewardship and local agriculture.
“Vegetation material generated during essential maintenance of our electricity network will now be put to productive use rather than transported to landfill. Through the Department of Agriculture, this material will be available for collection as mulch, assisting farmers and the wider community with land management,” the Minister said.
Once delivered, the vegetation material will be managed by the Department of Agriculture and incorporated into composting operations or processed into mulch for agricultural use.
The Department will also make vegetation material available to farmers and members of the public where appropriate, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improved soil health.
Mr. Robert Whorms, Director of Energy Delivery of Caribbean Utilities Company said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to responsible operations and environmental stewardship.
“Effective vegetation management protects both our community and our electrical system. By keeping trees and undergrowth away from power lines, we reduce the risk of electric shock, fires, and outages caused by vegetation contact.’’
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure to strengthen local agriculture while promoting more efficient and sustainable use of organic materials. Users are responsible for their own collection and transportation of the material from the designated DoA site.
About the Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (MPLAHI). The Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life and economic prosperity of the Cayman Islands through sustainable agriculture and the provision of essential agricultural inputs and services. By supporting local farmers and promoting innovation, the DoA works to strengthen national food security and ensure the long-term viability of the agricultural sector.
About the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI)
The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI) is responsible for advancing national priorities across planning, lands, agriculture, housing, and infrastructure in the Cayman Islands.
Mission
To develop and implement integrated policies, programmes, and infrastructure solutions that enhance land use, strengthen food security, improve housing access, and support climate-resilient development, guided by innovation, equity, connection, and integrity.
Through strategic leadership and collaboration, the Ministry works to deliver sustainable outcomes that support economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and long-term prosperity for the people of the Cayman Islands.
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(345) 244-2412
