‘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
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great honor that I stand before you to reflect on the journey of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), a reminder of progress and innovation in our region’s agricultural sector. As we gather for the 2024 edition, themed ‘Climate Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future’, we are reminded of the strides we have made and the path that lies ahead.
The CWA has been a pivotal platform since its inception, fostering dialogue and action towards sustainable agricultural development. In the past, themes like ‘Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025’ have spurred efforts to reduce food imports by 25% by 2025, a testament to our collective resolve to enhance food security and self-reliance.
The 2023 edition, held in The Bahamas, was a call to action to strengthen producers’ sustainability and resilience. It underscored the importance of agriculture as an economic driver and highlighted the vulnerability of our rural communities to climate change. The discussions and outcomes from previous CWAs have laid a solid foundation for our current endeavors.
Building from last year’s outcomes and the glaring realities of our present, this year’s Caribbean Week of Agriculture, to be held in St. Vincent in the Grenadines from the 7th to the 11th of October 2024, will revolve around the theme ‘Climate Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future‘. The theme rightfully proclaims Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) as being paramount for a sustainable future for the region.
The region recognizes that the adaptation of CSA has the potential to revolutionize the agri-food systems in the region through the integration of innovative technologies, gender-sensitive approaches and scalable solutions to ensure food security, resilience and the improvement of livelihoods in the face of the changing weather patterns and extreme events.
Digital agriculture tools have the potential to revolutionize agri-food systems by improving connectivity and reducing inefficiencies. Innovations such as KoboToolbox for data collection, Terra Sync for GPS farm mapping, and automated irrigation systems controlled via mobile applications are examples of how technology can support climate change adaptation and resilience.
To this end, the 2024 CWA, made up of workshops, trade exhibitions, and field visits, will allow for insightful discussions, knowledge-sharing, the forging of new partnerships, and the showcasing of the latest innovations and strategies in climate-smart agriculture.
The week will also host Special meetings such as High-Level Ministerial Meetings, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Board of Governors Meeting, the Meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Agriculture Ministers and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) Board of Directors Meeting. Additionally, the event will award the CARICOM Farmer of the Year and the Ministers of Agriculture CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year.
All in all, the CWA expects to host a diverse group of participants including all Member States, development partners such IICA, FAO, WFP, farmers/producer organizations such as CANROP, AACARI, CABA, CARICOM bodies such as CARDI, CAHFSA, and CRFM, the OECS, research and academia such as The UWI, scientists, civil societies, private sector groupings, companies, and representatives from international organizations.
The diverse representation being concentrated on this year is pivotal to the event’s success since a multifaceted approach is necessary to advance the agriculture sector in the face of the effects of climate change. The format of this year’s CWA promises to adopt an impactful, focused, deliberate, and comprehensive approach to adopting CSA by assigning a day for agriculture trade and economic development, civil society, governments and partner organizations, climate and business investors, and national, regional, and international experts. Each of these entities has an integral role in shaping a comprehensive strategy necessary to build a robust and resilient agricultural sector in the Caribbean.
By dedicating time to each, the Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2024 aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and action that will propel the region’s agriculture sector forward in a sustainable and inclusive manner. This holistic approach is not only beneficial for the agriculture sector, but also for the overall well-being and economic health of the Caribbean community.
‘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.
Let us move forward with the lessons learned from past CWAs and the innovative spirit of the present. Let us collaborate, innovate, and act with the urgency that the theme of Climate Smart Agriculture demands. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for the region’s agriculture sector.
Thank you.
14 June 2024
