It is with pride and honour that the Government of Barbados joins with the Alliance for Sustainable Development of Agriculture and the Rural Milieu to extend an invitation for you to join us at this year’s Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), to be held October 8 to 12, 2018.  Now in its fifteenth year, CWA offers a forum for agriculturalists, agro-processors and entrepreneurs from the public and private sectors across the region, and further afield, to come together to discuss issues of significance impacting agriculture and to identify solutions to the myriad of constraints hindering the development of the sector.

The theme for this week: “Strengthening Agriculture for a Healthier Future in the Region” brings into focus the need for greater attention to be played to the development of agriculture in the region, given the contribution made by this sector to alleviating malnutrition; addressing the incidences of chronic non-communicable diseases and stimulating economic activity.  This however will mandate that we in the agricultural sector, seek to forge stronger and more resilient linkages with our regional neighbours, as well as with other sectors of the economy, if we are to provide our citizens with the fresh, safe and wholesome food required for a healthier living, at an affordable price.

During this week information will be shared on the latest developments in the sector, including on the coconut and small ruminants industries in the region; youth employment and entrepreneurship; the school feeding programme; and climate change resilience.  There will also be field trips, as well as a trade show and exhibition showcasing agricultural products and innovations from the region.  The opportunity will also be provided for networking between friends and colleagues, during the various social events to be held.

We look forward to hosting you at Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2018.