Jamaica to Host Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2026

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, on Thursday (May 21), launched the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2026, CARICOM’s flagship platform for the advancement of the region’s agricultural agenda.

This year, Jamaica will be hosting the event set for September 27 to October 2 at the Ocean Coral Springs Resort in Trelawny, under the theme: ‘The New FACE of Caribbean Food Systems’.

CWA 2026 will bring together policymakers, private-sector leaders, farmers and development partners to collaborate and address shared regional challenges and explore opportunities to advance agricultural development in the Caribbean.

Speaking at the launch, held at Summit in New Kingston, Minister Green expressed pride in Jamaica hosting the highly anticipated event for the second time in its 20 years.

He noted that it was especially fitting following the destruction of much of Jamaica’s agricultural production zones during the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

“I think the hosting of the CWA for this 20th staging reminds us that while we may be tested, we are never defeated. So, for us in Jamaica, it is a privilege and an honour to again welcome the Caribbean,” Minister Green said.

He underscored agriculture’s critical role in Caribbean development, a role made even more vital as the region faces rising input costs, global uncertainties, and climate change.

“These realities have enforced and… reinforced the importance of building stronger and more resilient agricultural ecosystems, more resilient food systems throughout the Caribbean, and this is why the Caribbean Week of Agriculture continues to be so important,” Minister Green maintained.

He outlined that the week-long event will adopt the local new FACE of Food agenda, as local and regional partners and agriculture stakeholders explore food security, agribusiness development, climate-smart technologies, and export expansion.

The Minister added that the event will serve as a crucial checkpoint to assess the region’s progress towards its 25 by 2025 plus 5 commitments, which aim to reduce regional imports by 25 per cent and boost local production.

“This theme reflects the direction in which Caribbean agriculture must move if we are to build a sector that is capable of supporting future generations. For us, this is about advancing a stronger regional vision to shape the next phase of agricultural growth as we move closer to 2030 and all the commitments that were made across the world around 2030,” Minister Green emphasised.

He described CWA 2026 as an opportunity to contribute to regional discussions where pathways for future actions can be established.

Meanwhile, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, who delivered remarks remotely, congratulated Jamaica for hosting the flagship event less than one year after Hurricane Melissa’s devastation of key agricultural production areas and communities, noting that it is a “powerful symbol of resilience, recovery, and regional solidarity”.

She underscored the relevance of the annual event, which will focus on increasing agricultural production, strengthening intra-regional trade, expanding market access, improving food security, and enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Caribbean agri-food systems.

“CWA 2026 will highlight the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Caribbean people, particularly our youth and women whose leadership and participation are critical to building more resilient, climate-smart, and sustainable food systems capable of withstanding future shocks,” Dr. Barnett said.

The week-long event will include seminars, key meetings, a special meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), and an exhibition and trade show.