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By Brent Simon
Ministry Officials Explore Climate-Smart Innovation, Youth Empowerment & Regional Resilience
San José, Costa Rica – Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands,Fisheries and the Blue Economy along with the Director of Agriculture, joined their counterparts from across the Eastern Caribbean for the first official OECS Joint Meeting and Study Tour on Agriculture, held in Costa Rica from May 26 to 30, 2025.
Organized by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the historic event brought together Ministers of Agriculture, senior officials, and a vibrant delegation of women and youth leaders to explore regional strategies for food security, innovation, and climate resilience.
The week-long study tour—held at IICA Headquarters in San José—marked a new chapter in the Caribbean’s push to modernize agriculture by embracing digital tools, sustainable practices, and inclusive leadership.
Participating countries included Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Dominica.
Regional Vision, Local Action
Mr Gregory Bailey, Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Agriculture emphasized the value of learning firsthand from a country globally recognized for its climate-smart agricultural practices and agroecological innovation.
➢ “This experience reinforced our understanding that building resilient food systems requires more than policies—it demands people: trained, motivated youth, empowered women, and institutions willing to adapt,” the Director said.
“Costa Rica is living proof that sustainable agriculture can be a national priority with global impact.”
Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher, echoed these sentiments, adding that the Ministry intends to pursue a research-based agricultural model to better respond to the impacts of climate change and environmental instability.
➢ “Our focus now must shift to evidence-based practices,” the PS said.
“We believe organizations like CARDI should be positioned to lead the development of agricultural technologies and promote sustainable, climate-smart farming across the OECS.”
The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that this vision isn’t just aspirational—it’s strategic.
➢ “Antigua and Barbuda must build stronger partnerships with regional, Inter-American, and international agencies,” the PS continued.
“By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, we can secure the kind of funding and technical support necessary to make Climate Smart Agriculture a reality.”
Youth & Women at the Forefront
The OECS/IICA initiative notably centered rural youth and women as key agents of change—both as participants and policy influencers. Antigua and Barbuda’s representatives engaged in roundtable discussions, farm tours, and planning sessions alongside more than twenty young and female agricultural leaders from across the subregion.
This inclusive approach underscores a larger mission: to repopulate, revitalize, and redesign Caribbean agriculture in ways that ensure its sustainability for future generations.
A Launchpad for Transformation
The study tour also laid the groundwork for deeper technical cooperation between OECS member states and IICA in areas such as:
Smart agriculture technologies
Climate risk management
Rural entrepreneurship
Land and water management
Educational exchanges and internships
With the Caribbean facing increasing threats from climate change, economic volatility, and food import dependency, the delegation’s visit to Costa Rica was as much about inspiration as preparation.
➢ “We’re returning home not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed urgency to act,” said the Director.
“Agriculture must no longer be seen as a backup plan—it is the frontline of national resilience.”
Next Steps
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy will be convening a local follow-up session with farmers, agripreneurs, and stakeholders to share insights from the Costa Rica mission.
Special attention will be given to ways to integrate CARDI into local technology adaptation efforts and to strengthen project implementation through strategic alliances.
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Me glad dem finally looking to improve how we farm.
Big respect—OECS working together for food security.
Me hope dem nah just go fi sightsee. Come back with knowledge!
Study tour good, but when action go start?
Sad. You just cannot teach old dogs new tricks. When will we open our eyes to see that the persons in charge of our agriculture cannot be taught new ways of doing agriculture. The Chinese came here and demonstrated how to grow new crops. They spend millions and time here on the ground. What of that has been implemented. The PM has taken it upon himself to lead the way. Yet we still fail to adopt these new agriculture techniques. Are we so stubborn or what. Just focus on the youth and give them all the support they need to implement these new agriculture techniques. Because old dogs cannot be taught new tricks. Send our young people to study in China and other far advanced countries in agriculture and agro processing. Agriculture is a science. It is not for dunce head people. And it is very much computerized and in a controlled environment.