OECS Council of Ministers for Agriculture Achieves Substantial Progress in Productive Meeting

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) convened a special meeting of Agriculture Ministers and technical staff on May 2, 2025, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to address the pressing issue of food security within the region. The meeting, chaired by Grenada’s Honourable Lennox Andrews, underscored the urgent need to bolster regional agricultural production and fortify the OECS against the escalating challenges posed by climate change, external trade policies, and global economic fluctuations. The central theme of the meeting revolved around transitioning from a state of food security, where access to food is guaranteed, to one of food sovereignty, where the region exerts greater control over its food production and distribution systems.

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission, emphasized the region’s heavy reliance on food imports, currently estimated at a staggering 90%, largely driven by the demands of the tourism sector. This dependence, he argued, exposes the OECS to significant vulnerabilities arising from global events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of trade nationalism. These factors have disrupted global supply chains, highlighted the fragility of relying on external sources for essential goods, and reinforced the need for the OECS to prioritize self-sufficiency in food production. Dr. Jules stressed the necessity of moving beyond simply increasing production volumes and adopting a more holistic approach to agricultural development. This encompasses improvements across the entire value chain, including transportation, packaging, standardization, and direct support for farmers.

The meeting culminated in several key decisions aimed at enhancing the OECS’s resilience and autonomy in food production. Central to these decisions is the establishment of a framework built upon three pillars: local production, regional trade, and strategic self-reliance. This framework outlines a phased implementation timeline spanning from 2025 to 2035, allowing for a structured and progressive approach towards achieving food sovereignty. To mitigate the risks posed by natural disasters and climate-related shocks, which are particularly pertinent to the island nations of the OECS, the Ministers also agreed to establish an Agriculture and Fisheries Insurance Scheme. This scheme will provide a crucial safety net for farmers, safeguarding their livelihoods against unforeseen events and encouraging continued investment in the agricultural sector.

Recognizing the importance of targeted interventions, the OECS will be scaling up the production of sweet and white potatoes through dedicated training programs across member states. This initiative will directly address local food availability and contribute to a more diversified and resilient food system. Furthermore, the OECS will explore strategic partnerships with African nations to boost the production and trade of select commodities, leveraging the agricultural expertise and resources of both regions. This collaboration promises to unlock new opportunities for growth and enhance the OECS’s capacity to meet its food needs.

The OECS also outlined several flagship agricultural interventions for the period 2025-2027. These initiatives include the establishment of a regional food buffer stock, ensuring a reserve of essential food items in times of crisis. A digital food sovereignty dashboard will be created to provide real-time monitoring of key indicators, enabling informed decision-making and effective resource allocation. To further stimulate the agricultural sector, the OECS plans to launch agro-Small Micro Enterprise (SME) financing facilitated through diaspora bonds, tapping into the financial resources and expertise of the OECS diaspora. Finally, recognizing the importance of preserving agricultural produce, the OECS will invest in solar-powered cold storage and irrigation hubs, promoting sustainability and reducing post-harvest losses.

To ensure effective oversight and coordination of these initiatives, the OECS will establish the Food Sovereignty and Resilience Council. This governing body will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the agreed-upon strategies and coordinating responses to any emerging food crises. The Ministers acknowledged the potential impact of new external trade and economic policies on the region’s agriculture sector, including their potential effects on exports, domestic food prices, and regional supply chains. In this context, the Ministers emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of the Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap towards enhanced food security and sovereignty.

The Ministers concluded the meeting with a commitment to fast-track the implementation of the FAST Strategy, mobilize the necessary funding, and initiate a 12-month transition plan to align national agricultural strategies with the overarching regional goals. By securing legislative support for food sovereignty, OECS Member States demonstrate their resolve to reduce their reliance on imports, improve nutritional outcomes, and position the agricultural sector as a key engine of economic growth and sustainable development. This collective effort signifies a pivotal step towards achieving a more resilient and prosperous future for the OECS, ensuring its citizens have access to safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced food.