CARIBBEAN WEEK OF AGRICULTURE 2013

Transcription

1 CARIBBEAN WEEK OF AGRICULTURE 2013 THROUGH IICA S EYES Message from Dr. Victor Villalobos, Director General, IICA 1 Innovaton Driving the Small Ruminant Industry in The Caribbean 2 Promoting Women Empowerment in Agriculture 4 A South-south Connection: Expanding Economic Opportunities for Caribbean and Pacific Women 6 Briefing for the Agriculture Policy Programme (APP) Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) Strengthening the Regional Network for Youth In Agriculture 9 Investing in Agrotourism Development in the Caribbean Region 11 Cost of Production 14 Exhibition and Trade Show Highlights 16

2 MESSAGE FROM DR. VICTOR VILLALOBOS DIRECTOR GENERAL, IICA IICA is once more pleased and honoured to celebrate the agricultural and rural sectors in the Caribbean during this 12th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Guyana. The theme for this year s CWA gives recognition to the importance of regional cooperation and integration initiatives as fundamental pillars of the approach to achieve food and nutrition security and sustained rural development. The CWA provides a unique opportunity for the institutional partners and key stakeholders in agriculture to meet as a region and advance the development agenda for the sector. We at IICA are therefore looking forward to the discussions which will take place this week in the many workshops and meetings, and to the plans which we will take forward and implement over the coming months in the Member States, in collaboration with CARICOM, FAO, CARDI, CTA and donor partners. The focus on the rural sector is critical, and IICA is pleased this year to co-host a Women s Forum which will further consolidate our work with CANROP by linking rural women entrepreneurs in the sector into regional and international alliances, which foster the expansion and consolidation of their networks and access to niche markets. The regional network for Youth in Agriculture, CAFY, will also be further strengthened through support for their participation in agriculture value chains in collaboration with CARDI, CTA and CAFAN. In terms of food and nutrition security, the IICA Office in Canada joins CWA this year to present a workshop and demonstration sessions on adding value in the small ruminant livestock sector, a critical source of protein for the Caribbean Region. IICA also recognizes that productive solutions for rural economies are not limited to agricultural activities, and in this context, we will be co-hosting a workshop on Agrotourism that will link rural development in the Caribbean with Tourism through trade, promotion of indigenous cuisine and investments in rural tourism. The workshop will also be promoting South-South cooperation with the Pacific Region. Success in achieving food and nutrition security and sustainable rural development in the Caribbean requires continuous training and strengthening of national capacities at both public and private sector levels. To this end, I am pleased to announce that with support from the Government of Mexico, IICA will be rolling out a programme of short-term training targeting specific areas of need identified in each of the Member States in the Caribbean Region. During the coming days, we will be providing more details on this exciting training programme. In closing, I wish to commend the Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Guyana for their vision and commitment to making this CWA bigger and better, and to extend to all, our best wishes for a productive and successful CWA

3 Innovaton Driving the Small Ruminant Industry in the Caribbean Lisa Harrynanan & Charles Kounkou 2-day workshop was held between the members of an alliance (IICA, CARDI, FAO, GLDA) with the Atheme Innovation driving the Small Ruminant Industry in the Caribbean Oct 5-6, 2013 during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Guyana. In view of the importance of small ruminant production systems in rural economies and the potential in developing a small ruminant industry in the Region to respond to national and regional demand of small ruminant products, a Canadian initiative led by IICA Canada Representative Dr. Audia Barnett saw this seminar conceptualized, organized and executed during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture. This, the first of its kind Canadian initiative brought together innovative small ruminant producers in the Caribbean, farmers and farmer organizations, the participation of representatives of the Canadian small ruminant industry and IICA staff. The seminar activities were all centered on enhancing stakeholders understanding of the small ruminant sector in the Region, as well as improving the capacity of various institutions to prepare and implement strategic developmental initiatives. Activities were structured into 4 sessions - Caribbean experience, the Canadian experience, the Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Caribbean and a Practical Session demonstrating the value added potential of cheese and other dairy products from goat s milk. More than 80 participants - including 20 small ruminant producers from Guyana, 8 producers and representatives of producers associations from various countries in the Region, 6 representatives from Canada small ruminant private sector - participated in the seminar and shared experiences, management practices and business models for sustainability and competitiveness in the sector. Minister of Agriculture in Guyana, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy at the opening of the workshop, indicated that there is room to expand and modernize the small ruminant industry, and that this industry is critical to ending hunger in this Region We must be able to say that we in CARICOM seriously took the commitment to end poverty, to create livelihoods, and to create platforms for the generation of wealth - the small ruminant industry can play a significant role in the generation of wealth. The trajectory has been defined, the road is in front of us, it needs some paving, let s pave it, let s walk together hand in hand to end poverty. These inspiring and passionate words from the Minister set the tone of the seminar. Issues such as the existing financial system to support the development of the sector; access to land; challenges of feed production and availability; need for greater technical knowledge; improved genetics; the need for farmers to speak one voice and liaise with CARICOM Secretariat to channel requests; improved business attitude; need for traceability in the sector to curb and prevent praedial larceny were some of the issues discussed. The farmers present agreed that the feasibility of establishing a cluster system for the Small Ruminant sector in the Caribbean could provide much needed products/services by the appropriate institutions or countries and should be explored further. Commitment from Canadian farmer Lloyd Wicks pledges his support to donate 10 semen straws to all interested countries. For the practical session, goat s milk was exclusively imported from Trinidad to facilitate the cheese making session at CWA. This interactive practical session in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, demonstrated to more than 40 participants the basic technology for cheese making and to promote the nutritive and excellent taste of the value added products from goat s milk. Participants, including Minister Ramsammy and Permanent Secretary George Jervis, were quite impressed with the taste and the many opportunities and types of value added products that could be made from goat s milk. The IICA & UWI Teams also accommodated a special request made by Minister Ramsammy to demonstrate cheese making to the agro processing students from the Guyana School of Agriculture. In addition to showcasing some of IICA s publications and projects at the trade show booth, cheese and yogurt tasting were some favorite highlights at the booth. 2

4 The Canadian Representatives, with the Canadian Ambassador in Guyana Innovaton Driving the Small Ruminant Industry in the Caribbean Mr. Lloyd Wicks Canadian Farmer 3

5 PROMOTING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN AGRICULTURE Kervin Stephenson he CANROP General Meeting at the CARICOM Secretariat at the Twelfth Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) was held in Georgetown, Guyana Tfrom October 4 12, 2013 under the theme, "Linking the Caribbean for Regional Food and Nutrition Security and Rural Development". CWA 2013 saw the participation of thirteen national chapters of CANROP representing the territories of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The elected Executive of CANROP consists of President St. Lucia; Vice President Jamaica; Secretary Barbados; Treasurer Grenada; Public Relations Officer St. Vincent and the Grenadines President s Opening Remarks: Emphasized the need for the evolution of CANROP over the 13 years of existence to survive the global challenges and global trends, with particular focus on economic empowerment of rural women in light of removal of preferential markets for bananas, sugar and rice to open competitive markets. The need for adaptation to change as the Motto for Reformed CANROP was promoted as opposed to the resistance to change. The President highlighted the importance of CANROP in contributing to Food Security and Nutrition in the Caribbean by promoting increased consumption and processing of local produce, enhanced exports of regionally produced goods and services and improved image of rural women by advocacy of economic empowerment of rural women in the Caribbean Region. She used the illustration that no one drives forward looking into the rearview mirror and that there is a reason why the rearview mirror is much smaller than the windscreen; this was to encourage members to keep their eyes in the front windscreen and occasionally in the rearview mirror only to measure the growth as they chart the way forward for CANROP. CANROP, in collaboration with IICA as its main institutional support mechanism, is currently promoting and supporting the adoption of modern Bylaws to enhance the governance of CANROP towards sustainability. CANROP sees the collaboration of IICA, CTA and the CARICOM Secretariat in CWA as a template for maximizing scarce resources in agricultural development interventions, and it presents an opportunity for a clearly defined joint Institutional Position on Rural Women and Gender Mainstreaming in Agriculture in the Caribbean. CANROP Solicitor s Remarks: Justification for Incorporation of CANROP Despite the challenges of different personalities, different cultures and different perspectives in the national chapters of CANROP, the common objectives linking all Chapters, as articulated by all chapters, and which are also included in the revised Bylaws are as follows: Ÿ Promotion and support of Internal and External Networks to share information on experiences, best practices, and lessons learnt on food and non-food production, processing and marketing. Ÿ Capacity enhancement to economically empower rural women by education and training; access to affordable financing and product development schemes. Ÿ Improve Regional marketing by branding with standards developed, evaluated and monitored focusing on attributes of Caribbean rural women culture and traditions. Ÿ Effective Governance to promote and support Succession Planning to ensure active participation and sustainability of the chapters and CANROP. Ÿ Enhanced Advocacy to lobby governments, private institutions and civil society on some of the critical issues affecting empowerment of rural women producers/processors. Importance of Incorporation to CANROP and National Chapters: Ÿ The existence of a legal entity in CANROP with liabilities restricted to CANROP. Ÿ Regularization of systems and procedures facilitates the establishment of a framework for the development of sustainable results-based management systems. Ÿ Improves image of CANROP on the national, regional and international levels. Ÿ Facilitates access to and mobilization of human and financial resources. (continued on next page) 4

6 PROMOTING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN AGRICULTURE Kervin Stephenson All chapters unanimously agreed to adopt revised Bylaws by incorporation of national chapters by July 2014 to facilitate incorporation of CANROP by October Presentation on SEED CAP Regional Action Plan by Secretary Supporting Economic Empowerment and Development in the Caribbean and Pacific Islands (SEED CAP) was a forum organized by the US Department of State and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Forum was held in Jamaica July 10-12, The SEED CAP Forum unanimously agreed that CANROP be the organization to benefit from institutional support of SEED CAP due to CANROP s proposed legal status and its affiliation with IICA, a reputable international organization. These are some findings and suggestions from the Forum: Ÿ Noted were the similar challenges faced by the Caribbean and the Pacific Region and the need to work together in sharing knowledge and experiences. Ÿ Highlighted the 5 Key Priority Areas to strengthen rural women in support of CANROP s vision and strategic plan: Communication and image strategy; capacity building; issues of advocacy; access to markets; and access to capital. Caribbean Joint Statement on Gender Equality and the Post 2015 SIDS Agenda: The Forum was held in Barbados August 2013 by Vice President Ÿ Women continue to struggle for recognition and economic and social empowerment. CANROP can have a voice and be used as an advocate for the rights and recognition of rural women. Ÿ Rural women, in particular, face numerous challenges in diverse areas which cannot be sufficiently addressed by individual members or Chapters. Therefore, CANROP can be seen as a platform to address these issues: What cannot be done individually can be accomplished with the assistance of CANROP through networking and advocacy. 5

7 A South-South Connection: Expanding Economic Opportunities for Caribbean and Pacific Women Ena Harvey there is so much that we need to learn from each other it is always easy to talk about ideas and what can be done, but always very difficult to show in reality what could be done. Michael Hailu, CTA Director. And, this is exactly what the Women s Forum at the CWA 2013 was all about. It provided the opportunity for 52 women from the Caribbean and the Pacific to tell their stories, share their successes and challenges, and to discuss workable strategies for expanding women s participation in agribusiness in local, regional and international markets. In his remarks during the opening session, the Agriculture Minister from Samoa, Hon. Minister Afioga Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell informed the gathering that in the Pacific, while tradition and cultures did tend to restrict the progress of women in the past, today it is recognized that women are critical to agricultural and economic development. On the Caribbean side, similar sentiments were shared by Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy who recalled that whereas in the past, our grandfathers and our fathers were heading the farms and our mothers and grandmothers provided the support from behind, today life has evolved and women are in front as entrepreneurs, taking leadership roles, driving the tractors, and owning the enterprises. Presentations at the Forum from the Pacific highlighted successes achieved in organic certification for over 600 small farmers, and plans for branding the Pacific as organic. The success of Samoa in being the sole supplier to The Body Shop International for organic coconut oil produced by hundreds of small-scale processors, also convinced participants that small islands such as ours can be world class players on the world stage. Another exciting presentation was made by international chef, Robert Oliver, who is making the linkage between farmers and hotels in the Pacific through cuisine. With his award winning Pacific cook books, chefs are champions to the cause of linkages, offering indigenous cuisine to tourists, and sourcing foods from local, small, organic producers. A Caribbean-Pacific Plan for Collaboration The Forum included three key technical presentations on knowledge management, investment support and product development from senior experts in the CTA, the Finance Alliance for Sustainable Trade and CARIRI. It also featured a Working Session aimed at developing a framework and action plan for the Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers (CANROP) and an action plan for collaboration between CANROP and the Pacific Region. Four main areas were identified for South-South collaboration, namely: Ÿ Agrotourism. A draft proposal is already on the table and is clearly a focus to take forward. Agrotourism will be included under the INTRA ACP project (under the Caribbean APP (signed between the EU and IICA as Executing Agency) and Pacific APP (signed between EU and the South Pacific Commission as the Executing Agency) under the Agribusiness Component with value chains. Ÿ Organic Production and Certification. The Pacific will be sharing experiences with the Caribbean, starting with a database on producers and products in both Regions, and sharing lessons learned about public and participatory certification at national and regional levels. Ÿ Market Access and Branding. The Caribbean will share experiences with the Pacific on value addition, and on Buy Local campaigns, while the Pacific will be sharing its experiences in branding their Region as Organic. Ÿ Climate Change Adaptation. Both Regions will be sharing experiences in small holder responses and measures to mitigate climate change impacts, through the use of biodiversity, technology and innovation. The co-sponsors of the Forum, CTA and IICA, both emphasized that any transformation of the agricultural sector cannot happen without the full engagement of women. Michael Hailu, Director of the CTA went on further to emphasise that we cannot continue treating agriculture as a subsistence activity. We have to treat it as a business. And to do that, the engagement of women as entrepreneurs is absolutely critical. 6

8 Briefing for the Agriculture Policy Programme (APP) Caribbean Week of Agriculture CWA 2013 The Caribbean Action under the Programme entitled Agriculture Policy Programme (APP) with focus on the Caribbean and Pacific is funded under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) and executed through a Contribution Agreement signed between the European Union (EU) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), with implementing partners Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the CARICOM Secretariat (CCS)/CARIFORUM. The overall objective of the Action is to contribute to enhance the regional (Caribbean and Pacific) and interregional capabilities of the agricultural sectors in eradicating poverty. The specific objective is to increase the capability of Regional Agricultural Development Organizations of the Caribbean and Pacific regions to address the development needs of smallholder agriculture. The outcomes of the action are expected to improve: Ÿ Policy regimes and incentive schemes for smallholders in the regional development strategies. Ÿ Food security at national and local level by increasing production and productivity of selected commercial and nutritionally valuable agricultural produce by using technological and organizational solutions that address specific development constraints of smallholder groups and rural communities. Ÿ Regional institutional capacity. Accordingly, the APP consists of three components which focus on improving the rural incomes and livelihoods of small holders, micro, small and medium enterprises in agriculture, women and youth: Ministers of Agriculture and stakeholders. This was followed by presentations on the technical aspects of the APP and discussions to clarify the Programme with participants. The Honourable Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana Diego Montenegro, DMRI, IICA Ambassador Robert Kopecky, Delegation of the EU There are three component areas: Ÿ Regional Policy and Strategy; Ÿ Technology, Research and Development; Ÿ Enterprise and Market Development. In addition to the APP, the IICA is also implementing a Programme of Actions in Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Measures (i.e. the SPS) through funding by the EU. The scope for making meaningful impact in areas of agriculture production, enterprise development, and market development and participation makes these two projects P r e s e n t i n g o n t h e Component Areas of the APP: Policy, Technology D e v e l o p m e n t a n d Enterprise Development: Margaret Kalloo (CCS); Francis Asiedu (CARDI) and Robert Reid (IICA). A briefing was held on Monday, 7th October 2013, as a basis for sensitizing regional stakeholders on the technical activities and approach to implementation, as well as to receive feedback on priorities from national and regional stakeholders.. The briefing began with remarks from the Directorate of the IICA, the EU Ambassador, CARICOM 7

9 Briefing for the Agriculture Policy Programme (APP) Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2013 Mr. Gregg Rawlins, Representative in Trinidad and Tobago and Coordinator, Regional Integration, Caribbean Region chaired the briefing and first introduced Mr. Diego Montenegro, Director of Management and Regional Integration (DMRI), who spoke on the importance of technical cooperation on agriculture development as a central feature of the APP. This was particularly so for IICA, having entered into a new form of engagement with traditional partners CARDI and CCS as implementing partners.. While recognising the unique situations that this form of engagement would present to IICA, he emphasized the necessity for more sustained and meaningful partnerships in the development of agriculture in the Caribbean Region, given the homogeneity of the target stakeholders and beneficiaries. Mr Montenegro s remarks were complimentary to statements made by Dr. Victor Villalobos Director General of IICA by highlighting the APP as a multidimensional programme tackling critical policy and technical issues, to strengthen the enabling policy and institutional environment, promote technology transfer and adoption and link farmers to markets with a specific focus on delivering benefits to small producers, women and youth. His comments were very useful in bridging the conceptualization and implementation of the APP. Following Mr. Montenegro, His Excellency Robert Kopecky, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and for the Dutch Overseas Countries and Territories, spoke on the EU s understanding of the important role that agriculture plays in the lives of the people, local economies and also in the potential growth of export earnings through the expansion of agriculture produce, products and by-products to increasingly more markets. He noted that this commitment was demonstrated in the EUs contribution of 20.3 million to finance the APP and its sister programme, the Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary Programme including the EU markets. From an operational perspective, this highlighted the need for internal consistency in actions under the APP, as well as in leveraging complementarities with the SPSP. The Honourable Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Minister of Agriculture, Guyana spoke on the need for meaningful action at the national level. The Minister stressed that the success of regional initiatives such as the APP would hang on the outcomes seen in the national/country environment. As a result, it would be imperative that actions taken address the priority development needs identified by the CARIFORUM States and that the actions be grounded by these priorities. Minister Ramsammy reiterated that partnerships and networking are required for the success of the regional and national activities of the APP to derive benefits for their own organisations as well as the ultimate beneficiaries small producers. Following these remarks, representatives of the IICA and its implementing partners gave an overview of the APP in its focus and intent as well as the nature of activities planned under the three components. Mr Lamon Rutten of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) also presented on the CTA s role in sharing knowledge, experiences and best practices between regions of the ACP. He noted that in this context, the APP provided an opportunity for Africa and the Pacific to learn from the Caribbean region. The CTA as a facilitator of development work in the ACP valued the avenue for continued partnership with institutions in the Caribbean region. Following the presentations a rich dialogue ensued where stakeholders enquired about the implementation mechanisms for the APP, and stressed the need to reduce duplication of efforts given the intended areas of activity. This was affirmed by the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN), who requested that the APP be closely aligned with actions being planned under the PROPEL project in which CaFAN is integrally involved. Member States also cautioned about repeating work that was already done before, focusing on a few activities that could have meaningful impact and concentrating on working with stakeholders rather than consultancies. The comments were well received and have contributed to the approach taken to date in engaging national stakeholders through the IICA country representations to inform on priority needs vis-à-vis the component areas of the APP. 8

10 STRENGTHENING THE REGIONAL NETWORK FOR YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE Curt Delice he Twelfth Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) was recently held in Georgetown, Guyana from TOctober 4 12, 2013 under the theme, "Linking the Caribbean for Regional Food and Nutrition Security and Rural Development". CWA 2013 provided the opportunity for the Caribbean Agriculture Forum for Youth (CAFY) to have its Annual Meeting and for the representatives of its various component National Chapters to discuss and dialogue on progress or lack thereof of youth engagement in agriculture in the individual territories of the Caribbean. CAFY is a constituent member of the Alliance for Sustainable Development of Agriculture and the Rural Milieu (The Alliance). The other members include the Caribbean AgriBusiness Association (CABA), the Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers (CANROP), the Caribbean Council for Higher Education in Agriculture (CACHE) and the Forum of Ministers of Agriculture was due mainly to the lack of any operating budget and a Secretariat for CAFY. In effect, CAFY s only opportunity to meet as a body was at the CWA, where a single representative from each country with an active Chapter was invited. At this Twelfth CWA, CAFY vowed to change this status of dormancy and begin to agitate so that they can perform their true role and provide the necessary support to the individual Chapters. The newly elected Executive of CAFY consists of: President Grenada; Vice President North Bahamas; Vice President South Trinidad and Tobago; Secretary/Treasurer St. Kitts and Nevis; Public Relations Officer Suriname. Caribbean Agricultural Forum for Youth Executive Board The CAFY Meeting at CWA 2013 saw the participation of ten national chapters of CAFY representing the territories of Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Bahamas, Guyana, Suriname, Barbados, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago (represented by the UWI Agribusiness Society). The Meeting was also attended by Ronald Blake, the Executive Director of the Jamaica 4H Club, who is based in Jamaica. CAFY agreed in principle with the Jamaica 4H Club to establish functional cooperation between the two organizations. A Memorandum of Understanding will be developed to work together and that where CAFY Chapters do not exist such as in the case of Jamaica, the 4H Club would act as CAFY s counterpart on the ground, ensuring that the issues facing youth in agriculture are addressed. The two organizations will also work to promote each other and seek strength in combining their activities and resources where there are similar areas of intervention in the various countries. The various CAFY country reports on the state of their national chapters and the projects and activities being undertaken in their respective countries suggest that although CAFY as the regional coordinating body has major challenges in implementing its mandate due to the lack of an operating budget, the national chapters have been able to sustain a large number of activities at the local level. This highlights the need to develop an institutional position on CAFY to assist it in its growth and build its capacity to service its member chapters. CAFY elected a new Executive to replace the old Executive which has been in place since January The absence of an AGM before From Left to Right: Secretary/Treasurer - St Kitts and Nevis, Vice President, North - Bahamas, President - Grenada, Vide President, South - Trinidad and Tobago, Public Relations Officer - Suriname (continued on next page) 9

11 STRENGTHENING THE REGIONAL NETWORK FOR YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE Curt Delice One of the key activities at CWA is the Alliance Meeting, where all constituent members are given the opportunity to present the status of affairs and seek guidance, dialogue and resource commitments for the coming year s activities. CAFY s newly elected President s presentation to the Alliance sought to reiterate the commitment of the National Chapters to the cause of youth in agriculture in the Region and presented a plea to the leaders and policy makers of their respective countries to provide the necessary assistance to the regional youth body so that they can achieve the objectives for which they were established. It also specifies the actions CAFY intends to take to make itself more effective and valuable to its individual Member Chapters around the Region. CAFY placed strong emphasis on reminding the Alliance Meeting that they have been forging ahead since the 2011 Roseau Declaration, although they had not benefited from any significant reciprocity from the National Governments. Coming out of its two-day deliberations, whereas the members of CAFY believe that it is their responsibility to improve the visibility and level of impact of CAFY as a mechanism for youth engagement in agriculture and rural development, they are of the firm belief that it is critical for Governments to show their commitment by allocating the necessary resources to support the implementation of their annual plan of action. In this regard, CAFY called for adherence to the agreement of the Regional Governments to provide a subvention to the National Chapters of CAFY. CAFY sees IICA as its main institutional support mechanism while it continues to build its capacity and empower itself to comprehensively and effectively provide representation to youth in agriculture in the Caribbean Region. CAFY sees the collaboration of IICA, CTA and the CARICOM Secretariat in CWA, as a template for maximizing scarce resources in agricultural development interventions, and it presents an opportunity for a clearly defined joint Institutional Position on Youth in Agriculture in the Caribbean, which would allow for the formulation of actions to sustain and facilitate youth entry, participation and investment in the Regional Agricultural Sector. This is necessary to establish an overall legal framework, govern interventions and harmonize actions across the various territories. There is also need to streamline the interventions of the constituents of the Alliance so that the roles of the components do not overlap. All in all, CAFY remains one of the most important mechanisms for direct access to youth engaged in agriculture in the Caribbean Region. 10

12 Investing in Agrotourism Development in the Caribbean Region lobal trends (including food and dining trends; climate change and green economies; nutrition, Ghealth and wellness; and the conservation of heritage) are all driving growth in AgroTourism. Current market research indicates a preference by tourists for a product and an experience that are authentic, linked to local foods, culture and heritage in a destination, and a willingness to pro-actively select and pay a premium price for such an experience. The top dining trends also show that internationally recognized hotel brands and restaurant chains, as well as world-renowned chefs, are investing in their local agricultural and food sectors as part of their response to Climate Change impacts, and are experimenting with exotic tropical flavours and colours in foods typical of the Caribbean Region. In its purest sense, AgroTourism refers to travel which combines rural settings with products of agricultural operations all within a tourism experience that is paid for by visitors. Agrotourism provides rural experiences to travelers with the goal of generating revenues for farmers and surrounding communities. These experiences typically include a wide range of attractions and activities that take place in agricultural areas. Important ingredients of such rural experiences include open spaces, low levels of urban or industrial development, and opportunities for visitors to directly experience agricultural, pastoral, and natural environments, as well as crafts, culinary products and local culture. Agrotourism Linkages refer to the transactions and trading arrangements that take place along the Tourism Value Chain not only at the level of rural agro-industry, but also within complex trade and distribution networks, across distance and time, between the agricultural sector and the tourism and foodservice sectors at national, regional and international levels. Importance of Agrotourism in the Caribbean Region The issue of strengthening the links between agriculture and tourism has been on the Region s political and economic development agendas for a considerable time. The potential to improve the value added from tourism through increasing the level of trade in fresh and processed foods and other domestically produced goods and services is a goal that is shared by policy makers and the private sector, in both the agriculture and tourism sectors. Forging agriculture-tourism linkages capitalizes on the inherent ability of the tourism sector to diversify the Caribbean economy, stimulate entrepreneurship, catalyze investment and assist in wider social development in our rural communities. Such linkages offer unprecedented opportunities to shore up agricultural production, stimulate the rapid growth in new agriculture, create employment along the Tourism Value Chain, and build resilience and sustainability of Caribbean economies. The latter is particularly critical for reducing the high levels of leakage of foreign exchange from tourism (as much as 90% in the Bahamas and 50% in Barbados), preserving patrimony and cultural identity, enhancing food and nutrition security and reducing poverty in local communities, and promoting local awareness and good practices with respect to climate change and environmental issues. IICA s Work in Agrotourism Since 2002, IICA has had a focussed programme on Agrotourism in the Caribbean Region, as part of a larger hemispheric programme in Latin America and the Caribbean. The major achievements since 2002 have been: Ÿ Building partnerships and alliances at public and private sector levels at both national and regional levels, with the objective of strengthening the policy and institutional framework in support of agrotourism trade linkages and rural tourism. The most significant achievements in this regard have been (1) IICA s membership on the Board of Directors and on the Sustainable Tourism Committee of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) for the past 9 years; and (2) the endorsement of a Regional Agrotourism Sector Development Plan by the Ministers of the Caribbean Region in 2012; Ÿ Establishment of strong alliances with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, CARICOM Secretariat, OECS Secretariat, OAS, CDE, Commonwealth Secretariat, and the CTA; Ÿ Facilitating knowledge transfer and supporting training and skills development through the documentation of success stories and Best Practices in the Caribbean and Latin America; Ÿ publication of manuals, videos, webinars; and development and management of an online distance learning course on Agro-EcoTourism (in both Spanish and English which, to date, has trained over 600 students); Ÿ Facilitation of business and investment opportunities in Caribbean countries and access to tourism markets, by conducting evaluations and diagnostic assessments of existing and potential agrotourism sites and attractions; preparing project proposals for investment; networking farmers, processors and entrepreneurs with hotels and foodservice buyers; and hosting workshops and seminars. (continued on next page) Ena Harvey 11

13 Investing in Agrotourism Development in the Caribbean Region Collaboration with the Pacific Region on Agrotourism Like the Caribbean Region, the two productive sectors - agriculture and tourism - seem to offer the best opportunities for inclusive economic growth in several Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and therefore the promotion of linkages between tourism and agriculture should help create economic opportunities, build resilience in rural communities and enhance sustainable development in both the tourism and agriculture sectors. Historically, the tourism industry in the South Pacific has primarily marketed itself on sun, sand and sea. Cuisine has not had a front and center position, with most chefs deferring to western menu formats in order to accommodate perceived visitor tastes. However, there is growing interest in South Pacific cuisine and the recognition by some hotel properties of the high value of the Region s cuisine in its tourism package as a cultural point of difference. Where cuisine goes, agriculture follows, so the further development and strengthening of local cuisine represents a new opportunity to enhance the tourism brand, reduce food imports and to further engage all Pacific Islanders in the tourism industry. Advancing Regional Initiatives in AgroTourism Trade Linkages and Rural Tourism IICA has kept the theme of Agrotourism alive at the Caribbean Week of Agriculutre, with an international seminar on Agrotourism Linkages at CWA 2005 in St. Kitts and Nevis, at CWA 2007 in Jamaica where Agrotourism was the theme for CWA, and this year at CWA in Guyana where, together with the CTA, IICA hosted an Agrotourism Investment Seminar. At the CWA in Antigua and Barbuda last year, the Ministers of the Alliance endorsed the Regional Agrotourism Strategy which was developed by the 15 Member States with support from IICA and CARICOM in The Plan is aimed at providing a mechanism for managing and increasing the local development impact of tourism and agriculture. It seeks to create a collaborative and inclusive national and regional planning and implementation network that can drive trade and new business between the two sectors. The Three Broad Components of the Plan are: Ÿ Component #1: Development of an Institutional and Policy Framework for Facilitating Linkages between Agriculture and Tourism Ena Harvey Ÿ Component #2: Measures to Increase Trade of Agricultural Goods into the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Ÿ Component #3: Rural/Culinary Tourism: Product Development and Promotion The Objectives of the CWA Agrotourism Investment Seminar were: Ÿ To share information on the status of implementation of the Regional Development Plan for Agrotourism Ÿ To present regional and national project proposals and investment opportunities in agrotourism Ÿ To identify potential donor and investor interests in trade linkages and rural tourism Ÿ To advance institutional arrangements and proposals for collaboration on agrotourism in the Caribbean and between the Caribbean and Pacific Regions Ÿ Fifty five participants, representing Ministries of Agriculture and Tourism in Guyana and the Caribbean, private entrepreneurs and managers of rural tourism attractions in the Pacific and the Caribbean; NGOs, CANROP and CABA; the Caribbean Development Bank and investors, attended the Investment Seminar. Ÿ Ena Harvey, IICA s Management Coordinator and International Specialist in Agrotourism, presented the vision (the big picture) associated with the establishment of a Regional Agrotourism Resource Centre. George Alcee, Agricultural Economist of the OECS Secretariat, presented an OECS proposal for Agrotourism Development entitled, Strengthening the value chain that serves the Hospitality Sector. The project is involved in strengthening linkages, the development of an Agriculture- Tourism interface strategy; developing products where they do not exist; and providing training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). It will partner with IICA in the provision of the training in GAPs and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), to ensure this is a successful programme that can be replicated in other Regions. (continued on next page) 12

14 Investing in Agrotourism Development in the Caribbean Region Gail Henry, CTO Sustainable Tourism Specialist, discussed the work by the CTO in collaboration with IICA, to develop a Food Tourism Strategy. The milestones achieved include: Ÿ Identification of several forms of food tourism; Ÿ Development of a marketing theme: Life needs the Caribbean campaign; Ÿ Publication of a Caribbean Going-Out Guide; Ÿ Development of a Marketing and Branding Plan; and Ÿ Documentation of lessons from leading Food Tourism destinations. Ena Harvey During the Meeting of Ministers of the Alliance of Ministers of Agriculture, the CTA presented proposals for developing a Caribbean-Pacific Agrotourism Partnership Towards SIDS The proposals involve the identification of commonalities of small island economies around Agrotourism and emphasizes collaboration between the two Regions to convert vulnerabilities into opportunities. The Seminar also featured presentations from project promoters in Haiti, Tobago, and St. Kitts & Nevis, who are seeking donor partners and investors for agrotourism projects in their countries. Discussions among participants were positive, with offers of assistance to investment proposals from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, the CTA, and the Finance Alliance for Sustainable Trade. 13

15 Cost of Production Edric Harry he Cost of Production workshop, conducted by Edric Harry of the IICA Office, Trinidad and Tobago, was Theld on the 8th October, The workshop was opened by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, after brief welcoming remarks by Mr. Wilmot Garnett, IICA Representative, in Guyana. The workshop was attended by participants from the University of Guyana; NAREI; the Caribbean Youth Environment Network; the Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana; the Department of Agriculture, Cayman Islands and IICA. The aim of the workshop was to demonstrate the use of an interactive tool, with capability for determining the profitability of agricultural production. Participants at the workshop were also shown how the tool can be used for improving record keeping as well as for making policy and investment decisions and for development of investment profiles. The usefulness of the tool was endorsed by the Minister of Agriculture, who stressed the importance of record keeping and the need for farmers to focus more on the financial aspects of their businesses. He also indicated that he would like to see investment profiles prepared for various commodities, so that information can be available for investors in the sector. Mr. Garnett also stressed the importance of using the cost of production tool to assist farmers in determining the profitability of production and extended an invitation to Mr. Harry to return to Guyana to conduct a workshop for a wider group of farmers, technicians and other stakeholders. The follow-up workshop, which took place on the 12th of November, 2013, was held at the Regency Hotel. On this occasion, fifty one (51) persons participated in the workshop, which was opened by the IICA Representative, and addressed by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture. Participants came from various institutions and agencies, including the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC); Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA); National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); Guyana Forum for Youth in Agriculture (GFYA); Guyana Hydroponics Association; Ministry of Agriculture; University of Guyana (UG); IWOKRAMA International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development; and Ministry of Health. A few farmers were also in attendance. The Opening Ceremony was covered by the Media. In the first session of the workshop, participants were exposed to the model: Its construct and applications. Participants were then divided into four working groups and given a copy of the cost of production model to simulate the profitability of producing sheep; broilers; cassava; and a vegetable grown in a hydroponics system. Each group was then invited to present and discuss their results. The model is to be used in a pilot project in which IICA and the Ministry of Agriculture will work closely with farmers to collect actual data. 14

16 CWA EXHIBITION OPENING SIGNING OF THE EU-IICA SPS AGREEMENT 15

17 EXHIBITION AND TRADE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 16