Caribbean farmers’ organizations present success stories, strengthen global ties, and call for investment in sustainable agriculture

Over 80 representatives from farmers’ organizations, public institutions, development partners, and academia gathered in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to mark the closing of the Caribbean component of the Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Programme (FO4ACP). After four years of implementation, the programme concluded with a strong message: organized family farming is essential for sustainable development and food security in the region.

Implemented in the Caribbean by the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, PROCASUR—with support from IFAD, the European Union, and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States—the FO4ACP initiative has provided direct support to over 40 farmers’ organizations and invested close to USD 2 million in innovative solutions and institutional strengthening of Farmers’ Organizations.

During his remarks on behalf of Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Hon. Floyd Green, Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Courtney Cole stated: “The FO4ACP project is undoubtedly fundamental to the sustainability of our various agricultural sectors. It focuses on strengthening the capacity of our regional international and local farmers’ organizations. If we truly decide to achieve sustainable and inclusive production, we must acknowledge and reinforce the pivotal role that these organizations play in enhancing our opportunities to exercise their rights and gain access to agricultural resources, public services and markets.”

“The FO4ACP programme demonstrates what is possible through collective effort, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of dialogue in spaces like this one here. The investments we have made through this project will create better conditions and more opportunities to unlock the innovative potential of each farmers' organization”, furthered Cole.

Offering closing reflections on the power of inclusive rural transformation, the President of PROCASUR, Juan Moreno emphasized, “We must trust in farmer organizations and rural champions as key agents of innovation in agriculture and rural development. Women and young people, in particular, must believe that there is space and opportunity in agriculture to improve their livelihoods.”

Speaking on behalf of participating farmer organizations, Beverly McClean from Guyana’s National Association of Rural Family Farmers reflected on the importance of collaboration.

“What we need to consider is that we need to continue networking. We need to be determined and committed and to ensure that food security is done in a sustainable way. We also need to strengthen our public policies. The knowledge gained here will be the building block in moving forward. I would like to express my profound gratitude to the team at FAO and PROCASUR on behalf of all of the organizations represented here. You would have diligently worked with us and equipped us with requisite tools to advance rural farming in a collective manner.”

The two-day workshop presented the programme's outcomes and showcased co-created solutions that enabled farmers’ organizations to deliver better services to their members, enhance access to markets and finance, and increase production and value addition. Sessions included experiences from organizations in Jamaica, Belize, St. Lucia, Guyana, and Grenada.

A central highlight was the role of the Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers (CANROP), which shared achievements in women’s empowerment, organizational development, and advocacy efforts that have positioned rural women as key actors in policy dialogue and food systems governance.

The event also served as a platform to connect Caribbean farmer voices with global networks, with participation from organizations based in Asia, and Latin America. The final panel emphasized aligning local solutions with regional and global agendas—highlighting the need for continued collaboration and policy innovation in line with the United Nations Decade of Family Farming.

“Family farming is not a thing of the past, but a central pillar of our region’s future to achieving food security, building climate resilience, and securing sustainable livelihoods. The stories shared, the lessons exchanged, and the strategies proposed have reinforced why FAO’s Four Betters –  Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life are not just abstract goals, but everyday realities being shaped by your work on the ground”, said FAO Representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize, Dr. Ana Touza.

As the programme’s final phase concludes, the Caribbean’s family farming sector stands more resilient, organized, and ready to continue its journey towards equitable and sustainable development.