Caribbean Week of Agriculture focuses on regional food system transformation

The 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture is currently taking place in Jamaica, serving as a strategic forum for over 670 delegates from 34 countries to discuss the region's agricultural agenda. The event, themed ‘The New Face of Caribbean Agriculture’, focuses on transforming the sector into a driver of economic growth and innovation.

During the plenary sessions, Jamaican Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green highlighted the difficulties of balancing increased production with frequent weather-related disruptions. He noted that following Hurricane Beryl, the ministry faced significant challenges with irrigation systems due to power outages. However, lessons learned from that event allowed for a faster recovery following Hurricane Melissa, as the implementation of backup power systems enabled 75 per cent of irrigation customers to resume operations within one week.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized that agriculture should be viewed as an industry capable of creating wealth and attracting youth, rather than just land occupation. Leaders at the summit, including IICA Director General Muhammad Ibrahim and CARICOM Assistant Secretary General Wendell Samuel, called for deepened cooperation to increase productivity, improve farmer incomes, and boost regional exports.