The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has disbursed US$500,000 to provide critical support to the agricultural sector in the Caribbean.

The funds should be used for emergency response and early recovery efforts aimed at small farmers and artisanal fishers affected by Hurricane Beryl. This financial assistance will benefit Jamaica, Grenada, and St Vincent & the Grenadines, with a focus on mitigating the impact of natural disasters on agriculture.

At the 2024 Caribbean Week of Agriculture in St Vincent and the Grenadines, which opened on Monday, October 7, 2024, Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining Floyd Green and Dr Renata Clarke, FAO subregional coordinator for the Caribbean formalised a technical partnership during a bilateral meeting.

This partnership, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, aligns with Jamaica’s focus on strengthening national agricultural systems and reducing their vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters.

In response to the FAO grant, Minister Green stated, “We are incredibly grateful for this support from the FAO, which comes at a time when our farmers and fishers are still grappling with the harsh realities of Hurricane Beryl. Many of them lost not just their crops and equipment, but their primary source of income and stability. With damages reaching J$6.5 billion, this assistance is a lifeline for communities working hard to rebuild. It’s not just about recovery; this partnership will help us build resilience, so our agricultural sector can better withstand future challenges.”

Minister Green further expressed appreciation to the FAO for its timely assistance, emphasising that the timely support bolsters the agriculture ministry’s ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl.

At the same time, the FAO reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth engagement in agriculture across the region and noted its strong backing for the Regional Youth in Agriculture Policy, which Jamaica is spearheading. This initiative aims to empower young people to take on leadership roles within the agricultural sector and ensure the future sustainability of food production in the region.

Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2024’s is observed under the theme “Climate-smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future.” The event brings together agricultural leaders and stakeholders from across the Caribbean to address critical issues surrounding food security. With a full week of discussions, panels, and exhibitions planned, the Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2024 aims to chart a course for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for the region.