Vision 25 by 2025: Caricom records significant achievements in food security initiative

The Vision 25 by 2025, Food and Nutrition Security Initiative, has recorded major achievements; two of which are increased production across the Caribbean region, and implementation of key agricultural policies. This has been reported by the Caricom Secretariat’s Agriculture Programme.

The Initiative is aimed at reducing the Region’s high food import bill by 25 per cent by the end of 2025, and Deputy Programme Manager, Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development, at the Caricom Secretariat, Ms. Milagro Matus, has provided an update on the Initiative during an interview prior to the Forty-Eighth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom, which
is being held in Bridgetown, Barbados from February 19 to 21, 2025 under Chairmanship of the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
Matus pointed out that governments have increased budget allocations for agricultural development, have incorporated climate-smart project development in their planning, and there has also been improvement in the adaptation of digital technologies in the sector.
“There have been major milestones and achievements, a lot of successes, starting off with the fact that we have increased local production, and member states have been increasing local production in vegetables, fruits, legumes and root crops. In addition, member states have also been increasing the budget allocation in agriculture to improve their services at the national level…Improving the adaptation of digital technology on the ground,” she detailed.

Revised and improved
trade polices
A key component of the region’s Vision 25 by 2025 Initiative is the free movement of goods and services, the Deputy Programme Manager revealed as she explained that the Caribbean Community has, over the years, made significant strides towards removing trade barriers, allowing for the free movement of agricultural products within the region.
“We have also been able to start the implementation of some major polices. For example, the Trade Policy on Animal and Animal Products, the Policy on Animal Health and Food Safety, and we have also been able to start implementation of the 19 Special Guidelines on Animal and Plant Commodities. These are exceptional and extremely important policies to improve intra-regional trade,” Matus highlighted.

Fight against climate change
Caricom member states are among the most vulnerable small-island developing states (SIDS) whose agriculture sectors remain highly exposed to the effects of climate change. Changes in weather patterns: heavier rainfall and harsher dry seasons, among other changes, continue to have disastrous effects on the output and productivity of agriculture sectors. In this regard, stakeholders from within Caricom have been very strategic in the steps they have taken towards addressing the issue.
Matus revealed that extensive work has been done in the area of climate change, with Caricom members being able to attract investors into the region to strengthen its climate resilience.
“It’s a very key area. All member states: last year we had Jamaica, Guyana, and many other member states who hosted their own agri-investment forum; or even in their trade forums, they have a component specific to agriculture,” Matus highlighted.
“Also, we have been working with the FAO, the hand-in- hand programme. We ended up presenting irrigation projects worth over $20 million. We have also worked with 17 asset managements to come up with investment profiles to start attracting investments throughout the region,” she detailed.
Moreover, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, which wreaked havoc in five member states, the region has collectively signed on to the Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP).
REAP is managed by Lynch Caribbean Brokers – a consortium of insurance companies that provide agricultural insurance for crop and livestock farmers and fisherfolk.
The new initiative allows agriculturists to safeguard and recover smoothly from the adverse effects of climate change and dangerous weather patterns such as drought, excessive rainfall, pest infestation and fishery interruption, among other climate disasters.
“Agriculture insurance programmes are very limited, and last year we managed to identify a product that can suit the needs of each member state. And I think it’s very important that we highlight this, because especially in the times that we’re living right now, with climate change,” Matus noted.
Agriculture insurance plays a vital role for Caricom member states by providing protection against the unpredictable and devastating impacts of climate change on agriculture.
As the Caribbean faces more frequent and severe weather-related events, the importance of agriculture insurance in safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring food security for the people of the Region grows significantly.
Recognizing the severe effects of natural disasters and climate change, the Region’s initiative aims to enhance food sovereignty and economic resilience by adapting to, and mitigating against, these impacts.
Agriculture insurance programmes are essential in enabling farmers to invest in sustainable and resilient practices, mitigating climate-related risks and facilitating quick recovery from natural disasters.
Agriculture insurance stands as a key component of Caricom’s strategy to combat the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and work towards the targets of the 25% by 2025 Initiative.

About the 25 by 2025 Initiative
The 25 by 2025 Initiative is a long-term social and economic partnership between Caricom Member States, the regional private sector, regional organisations, producer groups, development partners and civil society.
It outlines actions and critical areas of intervention to tackle the rising food import bill and reduce food insecurity, improve intra-regional trade, and create wealth and economic opportunity for every Caricom Member State.