CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, on Thursday highlighted the significance of the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) being hosted by Jamaica, less than a year after the country was hit by Hurricane Melissa.
Dr. Barnett characterised Jamaica’s hosting of the Region’s premier agriculture event as “a powerful symbol of resilience, recovery, and regional solidarity.”
The Secretary-General was at the time speaking at the launch of the week of activities, which will be held 27 September – 2 October 2026, under the theme ‘The New F.A.C.E of Caribbean Food Systems’, which she indicated, reflects the Region’s commitment to continue strengthening Food and Nutrition Security, and transforming agriculture and food systems, through Agribusiness Development, Climate-Smart Technologies, and Export Expansion.
“As CARICOM advances implementation of the 25 by 2025+5 Initiative to expand production and reduce food imports, these pillars remain essential to building a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable regional food system,” Dr. Barnett said.
CWA 2026 will bring together Ministers of Agriculture, policymakers, private sector representatives, farmers, fisherfolk, youth leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, development partners, and regional and international organisations for a week of high-level discussions, technical sessions, exhibitions, and business forums.
Discussions will focus on increasing agricultural production, strengthening intra-regional trade, expanding market access, improving food security, and enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Caribbean agri-food systems.
This year’s programme will also highlight the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of Caribbean people, particularly youth and women, whose leadership and participation remain essential to building climate-smart, resilient, and sustainable food systems capable of withstanding future shocks, the Secretary-General said.
Please listen to the Secretary-General’s remarks:
Please read her remarks below:
“This year, the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) annual Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) will be hosted by Jamaica from 27 September to 2 October 2026.
The 2026 theme “The New F.A.C.E of Caribbean Food Systems” reflects the Region’s commitment to continue strengthening Food and Nutrition Security, and transforming agriculture and food systems, through Agribusiness Development, Climate-Smart Technologies, and Export Expansion. As CARICOM advances implementation of the 25 by 2025+5 Initiative to expand production and reduce food imports, these pillars remain essential to building a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable regional food system.
This 20th edition of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture comes at a significant moment for the Region and for our host country, Jamaica. In October 2025, Hurricane Melissa disrupted livelihoods, infrastructure, and food supply systems in key agricultural production areas and communities. Jamaica’s hosting of this milestone 20th edition of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, less than one year after Hurricane Melissa, stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, recovery, and regional solidarity.
For two decades, the Caribbean Week of Agriculture has served as the Region’s premier platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, partnerships, and business engagement within the agriculture and agri-food sectors. This year’s high-level discussions, technical sessions, exhibitions and business forums will bring together Ministers, policymakers, private sector representatives, farmers, fisherfolk, youth, development partners, researchers, and entrepreneurs. They will focus on increasing agricultural production, strengthening intra-regional trade, expanding market access, improving food security, and enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Caribbean agri-food systems.
CWA 2026 will highlight the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Caribbean people, particularly our youth and women, whose leadership and participation are critical to building more resilient, climate-smart, and sustainable food systems capable of withstanding future shocks.
On behalf of CARICOM, I extend appreciation to the Government and People of Jamaica for hosting this important event, and to the many regional and international institutions whose continued partnership supports the advancement of shared regional goals.
I invite all stakeholders to join us in Trelawny, Jamaica, as we shape the new face of Caribbean food systems and continue working together towards a more food-secure, resilient, and prosperous Caribbean Community.
I look forward to welcoming you to CWA 2026.”
