Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2021 promises to be unique, game-changing – Coordinator

Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) scheduled for 4-8 October 2021, promises to be a unique, game-changing event, according to Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager, Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development at the CARICOM Secretariat.

‘Transforming our food systems’ is the theme of the week of activities that reflects the food systems thrust that the world is now undertaking, given the current challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Baugh, who is the coordinator of the event, is warning that if we are not careful, we run the risk of moving from a health crisis to a food security crisis. To stave off such an eventuality, some of the activities of the CWA will focus on new ways of propagation, the use of climate smart technologies, new irrigation methods, and a showcase of the use and versatility of the Region’s foods.

Preparations for the event, which will be held virtually, are far advanced, with registration now open for those who wish to participate in the virtual marketplace. The main collaborating agencies are the CARICOM Secretariat, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Regional institution such as the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) will also be involved.

CARICOM Today spoke with Coordinator Baugh. Listen:

Head over to the cwa2021.caricom.org for more details about the Caribbean Week of Agriculture.

Source: CARICOM TODAY