What's Happening?
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, in collaboration with several international and regional partners, held a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing white potato production and marketing in the Eastern Caribbean. The event,
which took place from December 1-3, 2025, involved around fifty participants including technical officers, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners from six countries and territories. The workshop is part of a broader initiative to reduce import dependence and improve food and nutrition security in the region. The OECS Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Strategy and the CARICOM '25 by 2025 plus five' initiative are key frameworks guiding this effort. The workshop focused on sharing knowledge and developing a strategic framework for regional collaboration in white potato production.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for the Eastern Caribbean as it seeks to reduce reliance on imported food, which exposes the region to global supply shocks and high import bills. By strengthening local production capabilities, the OECS aims to enhance economic and nutritional security for its communities. The workshop also serves as a platform for developing a strategic framework for national and regional collaborative action, which is essential for building a modern, competitive agricultural economy. The focus on empowering youth, women, and rural communities aligns with broader goals of resilience to climate change and economic empowerment.
What's Next?
The workshop concluded with a commitment to advance a coordinated regional approach to white potato development. This includes strengthening technical capacity and supporting member states in scaling production to meet domestic demand. The outcomes will contribute to a regional strategic framework for white potato production, aligned with national priorities and the FAST Strategy. This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward reducing food import dependence and building a competitive agricultural sector across the Eastern Caribbean.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative highlights the importance of regional collaboration in addressing food security challenges. By focusing on local production, the OECS is not only reducing import dependence but also fostering economic growth and resilience. The emphasis on empowering marginalized groups and adapting to climate change reflects a holistic approach to agricultural development. This could lead to long-term shifts in how the region approaches food security and economic development.
