July 7, 2023
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took part in the 45th CARICOM Heads of Government this past week for its 50th Anniversary, acknowledging the need for G-7 countries to be held accountable for climate change mitigation promises.
He also promised $5.5m for to help small farmers across the Caribbean, which is not nearly enough, but we thank the US for the warm gesture.
To get agriculture moving in the region and if the US was serious about helping agriculture grow, they would not only bring in their technology, but they would also spend triple that amount to ensure some farms get off and running properly.
They too would also ensure that farmers here have partnerships with larger farms and processors in the US too. What is keenly needed is a Federal Drug Agency type pre-clearance for agricultural produce to ensure that Caribbean grown produce meets global standards and quality. That would be a big boost and hopefully the partnership with the other US agencies in the agricultural chain are keen to make this happen under this new Blinken pledge.
If we are going to take agriculture seriously, then let’s take agriculture seriously. Spend that money.