BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Organization of American States (OAS) has called for urgent action in addressing food security in the Caribbean. During a conference on food security and the economic implications held in Barbados this week, Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin has called for reforms in agriculture in the Caribbean, including increased public-private partnerships and renewed focus on research and development. Among the specific areas of concern, Ramdin cited the rising food import bill of the Caribbean which now totals over US $4 billion, and its comparatively low agricultural output.