Minister Duggins: CWA 2025 to Establish St. Kitts and Nevis as the Caribbean’s Agricultural Center

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to host the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA2025) from September 29th to October 3rd, 2025, at the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel. This significant event, themed “Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience: Transforming Our Caribbean Food Systems for 2025 and Beyond,” marks a pivotal moment for the nation, offering a platform to solidify its position as a regional agricultural leader. The Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, emphasized the transformative potential of CWA2025, highlighting the opportunity to showcase national advancements, foster regional collaborations, and strengthen St. Kitts and Nevis’s role in Caribbean food security and agricultural innovation. This event aligns with the Federation’s ambitious 25 by 25+5 Agenda, which aims to reduce reliance on food imports by 25% by the year 2025 and sustain these efforts beyond that timeframe. CWA2025 is expected to attract a diverse array of participants, including policymakers, farmers, private sector representatives, development partners, researchers, and regional organizations, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Hosting CWA2025 provides St. Kitts and Nevis with a unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable agricultural development and its progress in achieving the goals outlined in the 25 by 25+5 Agenda. Minister Duggins stressed the significance of this event in showcasing the nation’s journey towards enhanced food security and agricultural innovation. He expressed pride in welcoming regional partners and stakeholders to witness firsthand the Federation’s dedication to building a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. The event symbolizes the nation’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities within the Caribbean agricultural landscape, positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a driving force for positive change in the region.

The Caribbean Week of Agriculture serves as a critical platform for regional collaboration, enabling stakeholders to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and collectively address shared challenges. The event facilitates dialogue and partnerships that are crucial for advancing regional agricultural development and strengthening food security. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, CWA2025 aims to generate actionable strategies for transforming Caribbean food systems and fostering greater resilience in the face of evolving global and regional challenges. The event will serve as a catalyst for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing, contributing to a more secure and sustainable agricultural future for the Caribbean.

CWA2025 is scheduled to feature a diverse program of activities designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and showcase innovative agricultural practices. The week-long event will commence with a vibrant opening ceremony, followed by technical sessions, a Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development on Agriculture, and a dynamic Agriculture Open Day and Marine Expo. These activities will provide participants with opportunities to explore cutting-edge agricultural technologies, sustainable farming practices, and market access strategies. The diverse range of events planned for CWA2025 ensures a comprehensive and engaging experience for all stakeholders.

The Agriculture Open Day and Marine Expo will offer a unique opportunity for the public to engage directly with the agricultural sector. This interactive event will showcase local produce, farming techniques, and marine resources, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for the crucial role of agriculture in the local economy and food security. The expo aims to connect consumers with producers, promoting local agricultural products and highlighting the importance of supporting sustainable farming practices. This public engagement component of CWA2025 underscores the Federation’s commitment to fostering a strong connection between the agricultural sector and the wider community.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the technical sessions and fringe events associated with CWA2025. Registration for these events is free of charge and can be completed through the official CWA 2025 website: https://cwa2025.caricom.org/. This open invitation underscores the importance of public engagement in the transformation of Caribbean food systems and highlights the collaborative spirit of the event. By providing accessible opportunities for participation, CWA2025 aims to foster a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the regional agricultural sector and empower individuals to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. The event promises a rich and informative experience for all participants, contributing to a deeper understanding of the critical role of agriculture in the Caribbean.