PiAngo Fest Cancellation Backtrack, Ministry Apologises for Confusion

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has reversed its decision to cancel the 2026 PiAngo Fest, apologising for confusion caused by its earlier announcement.

In a release issued yesterday, the ministry said PiAngo Fest will not be held as a standalone event this year, but will instead be incorporated into a new National Agricultural Festival.

The ministry acknowledged that its previous release, issued on Tuesday, had not clearly communicated its broader vision for the festival’s future.

“The ministry sincerely apologizes for any miscommunication or misunderstanding arising from its previous press release.

“While the intention was simply to inform the public of changes to this year’s PiAngo Fest, we recognize that our broader vision for the festival was not clearly communicated,” the release said.

According to the statement, the festival’s previous success has inspired the ministry to think bigger, positioning it as part of the new festival.

“It is the Ministry’s commitment to create a stronger, more meaningful and sustainable national event that can continue to grow and create opportunities for farmers, agro-processors, exhibitors, vendors, young people and the wider community for years to come,” the release added.

The ministry said planning for the National Agricultural Festival is already underway, and more information on how farmers, partners, sponsors and the public can get involved will be shared as planning progresses.

The ministry thanked everyone who has supported PiAngo Fest over the years, saying it looks forward to building on that foundation as the festival “enters this exciting new chapter”.

The initial release had stated PiAngo Fest would not be held in 2026, citing the ministry’s priorities, available resources, operational requirements, and the impact of weather on the mango crop.

“Following careful consideration of the Ministry’s priorities, available resources, operational requirements and the impact of weather on the national mango crop and more specifically our ability to predict the peak, the decision has been made not to stage the event this year,” Tuesday’s release had outlined.

News of the festival’s cancellation had drawn public disappointment and criticism.