St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to take centre stage in advancing regional agricultural transformation as it prepares to host the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) from 29th September to 3rd October, 2025. The prestigious event, themed “Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience: Transforming Our Caribbean Food Systems for 2025 and Beyond,” will be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel and is expected to attract participants from across the Caribbean and beyond.
At Tuesday’s virtual launch, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources for St. Kitts, Samal Duggins, underscored the importance of the event against the backdrop of mounting challenges facing Caribbean agriculture. He pointed to climate change, global supply chain disruptions, pandemics, and logistical obstacles as urgent calls for transformation.
“Our region stands at a defining crossroads,” Minister Duggins stated. “Now is the time for us to sow the seeds of true transformation. We must craft deliberate policies, invest in climate-smart agriculture and innovative technologies, empower our youth and women, and commit ourselves anew to food and nutrition security and sovereignty.”
CWA 2025 is expected to provide a robust platform for solutions-oriented engagement, including technical workshops, youth-led dialogues, business networking, and field visits that showcase innovations in agro-processing, sustainable farming, and green economic initiatives.
Describing the event as more than just a gathering, Minister Duggins characterised it as a clarion call for the region to reimagine food production, processing, and protection. He also emphasised the need to strengthen intra-regional trade, reduce reliance on volatile international markets, and boost rural and economic development through local investment.
Minister Duggins applauded the resilience and innovation of Caribbean farmers, fishers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, and highlighted initiatives like the Caribbean Smart Agriculture Collective (C-SAC) advanced by Steve Maximay as examples of regional ingenuity. He also called for greater inclusion of women and youth, noting that they are “not merely beneficiaries of change but key drivers of it.”
He extended thanks to CARICOM, IICA, FAO, CARDI, the OECS Commission, and development partners for their continued support, while reaffirming St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to agricultural sustainability.
“As hosts, we are active partners in this mission,” Minister Duggins declared. “Together, we will not only discuss change—but actively sow it.”
CWA 2025 marks a pivotal opportunity for the region to mobilise collective action and ensure a more resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant future in food and agriculture.
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from SKN Source! Click here to join our WhatsApp group and get updates straight to your mobile. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more stories and insights!
Be the first to comment on "Minister Duggins Calls for Bold Agricultural Transformation as St. Kitts and Nevis Prepares to Host CWA 2025"