Building an Inclusive Agriculture Sector for Regional Economic Growth

Saint Lucia’s delegation is off to actively participate in the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2026, taking place from September 27 to October 2 in Trelawny, Jamaica.

The key themes of “Learning, Innovating, and Preparing for the Future” will guide their involvement.

Ahead of the CWA, officials from Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security & Sustainable Development, including the Permanent Secretary, visited an advanced hydroponics facility in Jamaica.

This visit aimed to explore innovative farming technologies and best practices, providing valuable insights that could be adapted and implemented in Saint Lucia to promote modern, climate-smart agriculture.

Jamaica will proudly host the 20th CWA, gathering over 670 delegates from 34 countries. The theme for this event is “The New F.A.C.E. of Caribbean Food Systems,” focusing on Food Security, Agri-Business, Climate-Smart Technologies, and Export Expansion.

The week will feature more than 70 technical sessions, high-level ministerial meetings, exhibitions, and field trips designed to address regional food import reduction and climate resilience.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica remarked: “As we welcome policymakers, farmers, fisher-folk, researchers, investors, and development partners, we aim to turn dialogue into practical action that strengthens agriculture across our region.”

He emphasized the importance of this gathering, especially in light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which profoundly affected agricultural communities. He reiterated the need to strengthen resilience, improve productivity, expand investment, and create greater opportunities for producers and youth in the region.

Minister of Agriculture and Mining, Floyd Green, expressed pride in Jamaica hosting this significant event for the second time in 20 years. He highlighted that the CWA serves as a reminder that while challenges persist, the Caribbean remains resilient.

“This week is an opportunity to build partnerships and cultivate an agricultural sector that contributes significantly to regional prosperity and economic growth,” he stated.

Minister Green underscored agriculture’s essential role in Caribbean development, particularly in light of rising input costs, global uncertainties, and climate change. “These challenges reinforce the need for stronger, more resilient agricultural ecosystems and food systems throughout the Caribbean, emphasizing the on-going importance of the CWA,” he said.

The week-long event will introduce the local “New FACE of Food” agenda, inviting local and regional partners and agriculture stakeholders to examine food security, agribusiness development, climate-smart technologies, and export expansion.

Furthermore, the event will serve as a key moment to evaluate regional progress toward the “25 by 2025 plus 5” commitments, which aim to reduce regional imports by 25 per-cent and enhance local production.

“This theme reflects the future direction of Caribbean agriculture, vital for building a sector that supports future generations. It’s about establishing a stronger regional vision for the next phase of agricultural growth as we approach 2030 and fulfil global commitments,” Minister Green emphasized.

He described CWA 2026 as a crucial opportunity to contribute to regional discussions and establish pathways for future action.