Venezuela and Barbados strengthen agricultural cooperation

Venezuela and Barbados are strengthening bilateral cooperation in food sovereignty and agricultural investment. Shantal Munro-Knight, Barbados' Minister of Agriculture, met with Venezuelan Minister Vladimir Padrino López to discuss investment opportunities in strategic crops such as sweet potato, squash, passion fruit, and peppers. The partnership also aims to establish export routes for Venezuelan products like pineapple, bell pepper, and tomato to Barbados.

Domestically, Venezuela is focusing on increasing agricultural self-sufficiency. Minister Padrino López reported that the sugar industry processed over 4.6 million tons in the 2025-2026 cycle, covering 55% of national demand and reducing imports by 20%. The government has set a long-term goal of achieving zero sugar imports by 2030-2032.

To support producers, the government is implementing a plan to increase transparency in the pricing and distribution of agro-inputs. This includes monitoring fertilizer prices and conducting inspections in states like Guárico and Portuguesa to ensure profitability for farmers. Additionally, discussions regarding pork production indicate that while domestic supply is high, some gaps in total self-sufficiency remain.