Unlocking opportunities in caribbean agriculture through knowledge, relationships and investments

6 páginasThis feature stresses the need for access to financing in the Caribbean for agricultural Micro, Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (MSMEs). It also highlights the initiatives that are being carried out under the Agricultural Policy Programme (APP) that are working towards meeting that need

Meeting food safety & consumer expectations: What every Agri-MSME needs to know

7 páginasThis Feature highlights the importance of understanding what it takes to meet food safety and consumer expectations in the marketing of agri-products in the Caribbean. Agri-MSMEs have many elements to consider and decisions to make on their way to a competitive retail market

96° in the shade: Cooling things down in protected agriculture structures

8 páginasThis feature provides an overview of Protected Agriculture (PA) structures as an important thrust to tackle increased food production in the Caribbean in a new climate reality. It provides background on the challenges experienced in adopting the technology and utilising traditional PA practices, and discusses various options and benefits from improving the design and operation of these structures. It introduces and highlights the elements and potential benefits for transforming farming systems in the Caribbean through the construction and operation of the Region’s first tropical greenhouse created under the GIFT (Green Intensive Farming Technologies) project

What's the big deal about MSMEs?

7 páginasThis Feature highlights the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in agriculture in the Caribbean, and the role that they play in the development process. It recognises that in spite of their initiative, self-investment and hard work, small agriculture based business owners do face challenges

Farming green - using natural plant material to stimulate crop growth and enhance animal health

10 páginasThis feature highlights ‘green’ farming solutions that have undergone validation trials by the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) under the Intra-ACP Agriculture Policy Programme (APP). The preliminary results from these trials provide encouraging signs of their potential to address long-standing and common production issues, foster sustainable growth and enhance the viability of small farming systems

Mainstreaming climate change and disaster risk management in agricultural policy and planning

8 páginasThis feature highlights the current vulnerability of the Caribbean agriculture sector to natural hazard impacts, the enhanced effect of climate change, the need to build DRM and CCA into agricultural planning, and the actions that need to be taken. An APP-supported study seeks to enhance understanding of the gaps in agricultural planning which can be filled in order to make the Caribbean more resilient to natural hazards and climate change

Moving ‘local’ food within the region part two: Breaking down non-tariff barriers

8 páginasThis feature highlights the importance of eliminating barriers that hinder agricultural trade between CARICOM countries. Trade is an important stimulus for business, and greater exchange within the Region will lead to increased demand for agriculture and food products originating within the Region. The feature focuses specifically on the issues of removing or reducing non-tariff barriers and harmonizing trade policies and procedures across the Region, as recommended in a study carried out as part of the Caribbean Action under the Agriculture Policy Programme (APP). Such actions have the potential to open up intra-regional trade and provide more food for people’s tables; to put more money in the pocket of producers and keep more money in the pockets of consumers

YES! Youth are interested, engaged and ready to get agriculture moving

8 páginasThis feature highlights the importance of attracting youth to careers and entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture. It also illustrates the fact that youth are indeed interested by introducing several enthusiastic, committed, young agripreneurs. It tells their stories which reflect passion for an often under-rated and under estimated industry. Finally, this feature examines the important work of the Caribbean Action under the Agriculture Policy Programme (APP) to support youth in this vital industry, and the continued focus that is required to ensure the future success for agriculture in the Region

Development, change and agriculture: What's planning got to do with it?

10 páginasThis Policy Brief highlights the importance of building capacity for planning into agriculture as an important base for ‘getting implementation right’. Strong planning capacity is also essential to establish a firm platform for growth in agriculture at all levels, including individual countries and for the CARICOM Region as a whole

Changing climate, changing farming systems

8 páginasThis feature highlights the already known causes and potential impacts of climate change, as well as the options for response in the Caribbean farming community. It also highlights initiatives that are being carried out under the Agricultural Policy Programme (APP), funded by the European Union (EU) under the 10th EDF, towards addressing these changes and resulting challenges. The main goal of the programme is to enhance the regional capabilities of the agricultural sector in eradicating poverty, and the specific objective is to do this through the support of smallholder agriculture. Addressing climate change impacts to agriculture is an absolute must in order to be truly helpfu