THE Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) has announced the creation of a Special Fund for the Caribbean region with the aim of reducing food-import bills by 25% before 2025.Enhancing Agriculture Resilience
IICA Director General Manuel Otero has unveiled the Special Fund for the Caribbean to support initiatives focused on strengthening the agriculture sector's resilience and promoting food and nutritional security in the region.Climate Resilience and Fund Allocation
The Caribbean region, known for its vulnerability to climate change, will benefit from the USD 250,000 fund to enhance the adaptive capacities of producers, public, and private sectors. The funds will support activities aimed at increasing resilience and fostering partnerships between Caribbean countries.Vision 25% by 2025
With most Caribbean nations heavily reliant on food imports, the 'Vision 25% by 2025' project aims to decrease the food import bill significantly. This initiative targets boosting local food production, intra-regional trade, and economic opportunities within the agriculture sector.Capacity Building Initiatives
The Special Fund will focus on developing climate-resilient agroecological systems, improving water and soil management, mitigating agricultural risks, promoting digital technologies, and offering training on clean seed production and cultivation of strategic crops like pineapple and potatoes. It also aims to encourage sustainable animal production models, agricultural entrepreneurship for youths and women, and enhance business incubators.Collaborative Efforts
Last August, a partnership agreement was signed between CARICOM and IICA to advance agricultural and rural development policies in the Caribbean region. The collaboration aims to strengthen production systems, value chains, and agricultural sector resilience. Guyana's President, Mohammed Irfaan Ali, recently visited IICA Headquarters to discuss further cooperation.Technological Support and Partnerships
IICA, in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), is providing financial support for key technological projects in the region. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is also working with IICA to address food security challenges.Joint Progress and Commitment
Through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, IICA is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Caribbean by promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing dependency on food imports. The establishment of the Special Fund marks a significant step towards achieving the overarching goal of enhancing agriculture resilience and food security in the region.