At the opening ceremony of the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Federal Minister, Samal Duggins of Saint Kitts and Nevis warmly welcomed local, regional, and international guests, emphasizing the event’s theme: “Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience: Transforming Our Caribbean Food Systems for 2025 and Beyond.”

Minister Duggins stressed agriculture as the lifeblood of the Caribbean, emphasizing that it is the key to food security, economic growth, sustainable development, youth empowerment, and climate resilience.

Echoing similar sentiments was Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Geoffrey Hanley, delivering the keynote address on behalf of Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew.

Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley. He underscored the importance of modernizing agriculture through innovation such as hydroponics, aquaponics, climate-smart farming and inspiring youth to engage in profitable, tech-driven agri-business.

Hanley also reaffirmed the federation’s commitment the CARICOM initiative reducing food imports by 25% by 2025, and address the many challenges farmers face such as natural hazards, financing, pests, market access and more.