What's Happening?
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, in partnership with several international and regional organizations, held a three-day workshop aimed at boosting white potato production and marketing in the Eastern Caribbean. The event,
which took place from December 1-3, 2025, in Dominica, gathered around fifty participants, including technical officers, policymakers, researchers, and farmers from six countries. The workshop is part of a broader initiative to reduce import dependence and enhance food security in the region. White potatoes are a staple in the Eastern Caribbean, with significant import volumes recorded in 2024. The workshop supports the OECS Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Strategy and the CARICOM '25 by 2025 plus five' initiative, focusing on reducing external food dependence and promoting agricultural transformation.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for the Eastern Caribbean as it addresses the region's heavy reliance on imported food, which exposes local economies to global supply shocks and high import costs. By enhancing local production of white potatoes, the OECS aims to strengthen food security, reduce import bills, and foster economic resilience. The workshop also emphasizes regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, which are essential for developing a competitive agricultural sector. The focus on empowering youth, women, and rural communities aligns with broader goals of social and economic inclusion, making this initiative a significant step towards sustainable development in the region.
What's Next?
Following the workshop, the OECS Commission and its partners plan to implement a coordinated regional approach to white potato development. This includes strengthening technical capacity and supporting member states in scaling up production to meet domestic demand. The outcomes of the workshop will contribute to a regional strategic framework for white potato production, aligned with national priorities and the FAST Strategy. Continued collaboration among regional and international partners will be key to achieving these goals and ensuring the long-term success of the initiative.
