By Zoila Palma: The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is highlighting progress in regional food production and efforts to strengthen food security as the region joins the international community in observing World Food Day.
Under this year’s call to “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” CARICOM is emphasizing the importance of reducing dependence on imported food and building more resilient food systems.
CARICOM noted that the region imports more than 60 percent of the food it consumes, with its food import bill reaching approximately US$13.7 billion between 2018 and 2020.
The pandemic, climate-related shocks and global disruptions have underscored the risks of relying heavily on external food supplies, prompting regional leaders to prioritize increased local and regional production.
In response, CARICOM Heads of Government introduced Vision 25 x 2025 and extended the initiative in 2025 to 2030 under the name Vision 25 x 2025+5.
CARICOM noted that regional food production grew by approximately 24 percent between 2022 and 2024, while investments in infrastructure, cold storage, food processing, renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture have expanded.
CARICOM also noted that a recent report by IPES-Food recognized the region’s food security initiative as an example of cooperation aimed at strengthening self-reliance and resilience.
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