NEWS BRIEF

NEWS BRIEF

Climate Resilient Agriculture Programme: Strengthening Adaptation and Productivity for Sustainable Growth (CRA)

The CDB CRA in collaboration with the FAO Investment Centre and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda held a debriefer meeting with key partners and then a Workshop for the Climate Resilient Agriculture Programme: Strengthening Adaptation and Productivity for Sustainable Growth, which took place on September 1st, 2025, in St. John, Antigua.

This regional Programme, covering Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, aims to enhance climate resilience and agricultural productivity for sustainable development. The Concept Note for the Programme has been endorsed by the Adaptation Fund (AF), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is serving as the Implementing Entity. The regional Programme is expected to run for four years (2026-2030).

The Programme will be executed by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – Sub-regional Office for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, in collaboration with the respective Ministries of Agriculture in each country. The Programme comprises three main components:

• Component 1: Climate-resilient infrastructure and water management

• Component 2: Climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management

• Component 3: Inclusive agribusiness and value chain development

The FAO Investment Centre is supporting CDB in preparing the full funding proposal, in line with AF and CDB guidelines. As part of this process, a first mission will be conducted in Antigua and Barbuda from September 1 to September 3, 2025, to initiate consultations on the Programme design, confirm national priorities, and gather essential information.

The mission was led by Ms. Yerania Sánchez Ramos, Economist and Technical Coordinator of the CRA Programme. The first activity was a Government Workshop to consult on strategic aspects of the Programme and set the framework for broader stakeholder engagement.

Management

Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy