The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) is pleased to join with the other agencies of the Secretariat of The Alliance and the Government of the Bahamas to host the 17th edition of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA).

The theme ‘Accelerating vision 25 by 2025’ is indeed very relevant to the Regional context. The last 3 years have brought into laser focus the need for CARICOM member states to transform our food systems. The fallout from the COVID -19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict in particular, coupled with our vulnerability to climate related hazards have negatively impacted the sector’s contribution to food and nutrition security, wealth creation and employment. With a population of just over 16 million, an abundance of natural resources, a favourable climate and human capital which directly supports the production of healthy, wholesome food it is unfathomable that the CARICOM Region remains among the top food importers in the world. Our food import bill is estimated at USD 6 billion annually, with only 1 country in the grouping, Belize being a net exporter. What sobering reality!

Cognizant of the importance of agriculture in contributing to economic resilience and driving inclusive socio-economic growth, the Heads of Government of CARICOM committed to reducing the Region’s large food import bill by 25% by 2025. CARDI too, has fully subscribed to the 20 x 2025 plan and has aligned our research agenda to address production gaps and develop the value chains of some of the key commodities identified by the Ministerial Task Force for import replacement.

I wish to reaffirm CARDI’s commitment to providing science-based solutions to lead this transformation and repositioning of the sector. However, it would be remiss of me if I do not underscore the importance of funding for agricultural research, investments, and collaboration to truly accelerate vision 20 x 2025.

During the CWA, the Institute together with some of our strategic partners will share/update stakeholders on the latest research and development initiatives to strengthen the coconut and small ruminants value chains. Sessions will also be dedicated to addressing key constraints to agricultural development in the Region, such as plant breeding, transboundary movement and management of pests and diseases and the adoption of digital technologies in the sector. The Institute will also be participating in the Exhibition and Trade Show and looks forward to sharing various aspects of our work here in the Bahamas and from across the wider Caribbean.

It is good to be back – face to face, to constructively dialogue, share experiences, network and develop concrete plans of action for meeting the 20 x 2025 target.

The CARDI team looks forward to welcoming you to CWA 2023!