The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance agricultural resilience and reduce import dependency across the Caribbean.
This landmark agreement with the 15-nation CARICOM bloc supports its ‘25 by 2025’ agri-food import reduction strategy. ICRISAT, a global leader in dryland crop science, will provide research and technical expertise, while the CPSO will leverage its networks to implement science-led agricultural innovations, strengthening food security and livelihoods in the region.
Dr. Stanford Blade, Director General (Interim) of ICRISAT, emphasized the partnership’s potential in addressing the Caribbean’s food security challenges. “As a region highly vulnerable to climate change, CARICOM requires sustainable solutions to enhance domestic food production and agricultural resilience. This collaboration paves the way for agricultural innovation, knowledge exchange, and training programs aligned with the region’s priorities,” he said.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Research and Innovation: Facilitating scientific exchange, material sharing, and joint research to enhance crop productivity and resilience.
- Private Sector Engagement: Mobilizing investments and partnerships to scale up agricultural innovations and improve market access for farmers.
- Capacity Building: Developing training programs to enhance farmers’ and agri-entrepreneurs’ skills in sustainable agricultural practices.
- Regional and Global Collaboration: Strengthening ties with CGIAR and other stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean to maximize impact and secure joint funding opportunities.
Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and Technical Director of CPSO, welcomed the collaboration, stating, “This partnership aligns seamlessly with the CARICOM Heads of Government’s vision for a more self-reliant and sustainable region. By leveraging ICRISAT’s agricultural expertise, we can build much-needed resilience and drive growth in the agri-food sector—creating lasting impact for farmers, businesses, and communities across the Caribbean.”