Uncertainties in the global trade arena and impacts from natural disasters in the Region are among the factors that have necessitated an extension to the regional food security initiative.
Our Food for Lunch webinar series will continue on Friday, 28 February at 12:30 pm, ECT. This one-hour virtual session will be conducted under the theme - ‘Exploring Sustainable Water Management Practices in the Caribbean - An Agriculture and Food Security Perspective’.
The Caribbean Community Secretariat continues to make advances in its quest to encourage the Region’s youth to become more involved in the agriculture sector.
Last year, the Secretariat consolidated its approach to youth with several targeted programmes including the continuation of the ‘I am CARICOM: Youth in agriculture’ programme, and the introduction of a climate-smart initiative that has benefitted youth and women.
The 25 by 2025 food and nutrition security initiative has recorded major achievements including increased production across the Region, and the implementation of key agricultural policies, the CARICOM Secretariat’s Agriculture Programme has reported.
The Initiative aims to reduce the Region’s high food import bill by 25 per cent by the end of this year.
Following on the outcomes of the recently concluded 115th Special Meeting of the Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) – Agriculture and the 44th Meeting of the Board of Directors, the Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) has reaffirmed its support and commitment to the CARICOM 25% by 2025 Reduction in the Regional Food Import Bill.
'Climate Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future' is not just our theme; it is our mission. It encapsulates our dedication to creating a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the vagaries of climate change while providing for our people. It is about building a future where our actions today foster a legacy of abundance and sustainability for generations to come.' - Mr. Joseph Cox, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General, Economic Integration, Innovation and Development
"Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2024 will be a pivotal event for agriculture stakeholders and an opportunity to forge partnerships, share knowledge and commit to actions that will safeguard our Region’s agriculture production, and at the same time protect our precious natural resources.
"... As we gather here in the vibrant city of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, I remind you of Vision 25 by 2025 which was created to support the transformation of the Region's food system to one that is sustainable and resilient, ensuring food security and improved livelihoods to the people of the Region. The poultry industry, encompassing the production of chicken, eggs, and other poultry products, holds immense promise as a catalyst for sustainable agriculture in the Caribbean.
Heads of Government of CARICOM have committed to reducing the Region’s large food import bill by 25% by 2025. The implementation of the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Strategy in the Member States, is expected to help achieve this target, by giving special attention to priority crops and products such as poultry, corn, soya, meat (Goat, Sheep, Beef), rice and niche vegetables which are highly imported products in the region.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) within the agriculture industry is a tool for changing the agricultural sector in the Caribbean.
Speaking at the launch of a two-day workshop entitled “Strengthening ICTs in Agricultural Value Chains – Towards increased integration in ICTs for growth and productivity”, Michael Hailu, director, Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development (CTA) said, the use of ICTs creates “huge opportunities for farming communities and young people”.