The Tribune

By LETRE SWEETING

Tribune Staff Reporter

lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Agriculture yesterday launched the 17th Caribbean Week of Agriculture for the first time in The Bahamas to be held from October 9-13 to showcase the achievements and challenges in the agricultural sector.

The Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) will be held at Breezes resort under the theme Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025. The week-long conclave will feature 40 technical sessions on animal and plant health, food safety, fisheries, research, innovation, digitalization, youth and women, climate change and trade facilitation.

The conclave will also include a Special Meeting of the Council of Trade and Economic Development (Agriculture) for Ministers to address major policy issues, such as increasing agricultural production and trade, agricultural health and food safety.

A Youth Farmer of the Year and a Farmer of the Year also will be awarded at the conclave.

Outgoing Agriculture and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said: “Collectively, our vision for 2025 is ambitious, but achievable. We aim to enhance food security, promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the agriculture sector, and foster innovation and technology adoption.

“The overarching objective will require collaborative efforts from farmers and producers, policy makers, stakeholders, researchers, entrepreneurs and civil society to not only address the challenges, but to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

“Throughout this week, we have the privilege of hosting experts and stakeholders from across the region who have dedicated their lives to advancing our agricultural systems.

“Their expertise, knowledge and experience will fuel meaningful discussions and enable us to develop innovative solutions to our shared challenges. Their contributions will inspire us and guide our actions as we work together towards achieving Vision 2025,” Mr Sweeting said.

Registration to be a vendor or participant for the conclave’s trade show can be done at www.cwa2023.caricom.org.