Caribbean Nations Boosted Regional Food Production
The region seeks to reduce dependency on foreign imports by 25 percent through the Vision 25 by 25 initiative.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Should your region prioritize local food production over cheaper imports to ensure economic security?
Dr. Wendell Samuel addressed the Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2026, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen regional food security. CARICOM leaders have extended the Vision 25 by 25 initiative to 2030 to combat high dependency on imported goods.
Why it matters
The COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions revealed critical vulnerabilities in regional food systems. CARICOM aims to curb reliance on foreign markets after import costs reached approximately US$13.7 billion between 2018 and 2020.
The Caribbean currently imports over 60 percent of its food, with some states reaching as high as 80 percent. The region has set a goal to reduce this food-import bill by 25 percent.
The players
Dr. Wendell Samuel
He is an economist and public official who delivered the address at the opening of the 2026 Caribbean Week of Agriculture.
CARICOM
The Caribbean Community is an intergovernmental organization that promotes economic integration and cooperation among its member states.
The details
Regional authorities are prioritizing investments in agricultural infrastructure, including cold storage and farm-to-market roads. These efforts are supported by the adoption of climate-smart technologies and digital agriculture to improve long-term sustainability.
Timeline
Between 2018 and 2020, the regional food import bill hit US$13.7 billion.
Regional food production grew by 24 percent from 2022 to 2024.
CARICOM extended the initiative to 2030 in 2025.
The Caribbean Week of Agriculture opening ceremony occurred on September 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
The push toward regional self-sufficiency reflects a broader shift away from outsourcing basic survival needs following global supply chain shocks. This transition aligns with the Vision 25 by 25 initiative, which serves as the primary roadmap for regional food autonomy.
Consumers may eventually see increased availability of locally grown produce as infrastructure projects are completed. These long-term changes aim to stabilize regional food prices by reducing the volatility associated with international supply chains.
The takeaway
The move toward increased regional food production highlights the growing importance of local supply chains in securing essential resources. Adopting climate-smart agricultural practices is now considered a fundamental requirement for maintaining regional economic stability.
Further reading
Learn more about agricultural trends and local production initiatives in the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jamaica Gleaner.
Live Poll
Should your region prioritize local food production over cheaper imports to ensure economic security?
