During an exchange of experiences on this initiative -based on objective data and directed and controlled by countries to accelerate agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development- she expressed her gratitude to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

“FAO and Caricom have a long-standing partnership that supports the bilateral relationship that the organization shares with each of our Member States,” she said.

She recalled that last week they were in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where, with the support of FAO and other development partners, they celebrated the 18th Annual Caribbean Agriculture Week.

“We focus on critical issues for the development of agriculture and rural communities, including especially the role of women and youth, the development and application of new technologies, the impact of climate change and strategies to generate resilience and long-term sustainable development in agriculture and food and nutritional security,” he stressed.

She noted that Caricom recognizes the Hand in Hand initiative as a beneficial vehicle to support the elimination of barriers to agricultural development.

The proposals presented today are solid, viable and promote greater agricultural productivity, and Caricom’s vision is to achieve greater and sustainable production, greater availability of fresh food and, ultimately, a transformation of the livelihoods of rural communities and healthier populations, she noted.

The Initiative aims to increase the quantity, quality, diversity and accessibility of nutritious foods available in the markets of countries where national capacities and international support are limited, or that face humanitarian crises.

It also seeks to identify opportunities to increase income and reduce vulnerabilities of the rural population.

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