FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean 39th Session
Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher (l) with other delegates at the 39th FAO Conference
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN held its 39th session of the Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in Brasilia Brazil 2nd March to 6th March 2026.
The five days of meeting were held, two days for Senior Officers and three Days for Ministers, which addressed many issues around transforming AgriFood systems in LAC.e.g.
- Food price inflation for food security and nutrition.
- One Health in LAC: challenges and pathways forward to address animal, plant and human health issues.
- The challenges of Soil and Water Management.
The sessions also reviewed the main results achieved by FAO in Latin American & the Caribbean, during the 2024-2025 period, in advancing the transformation towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems.
Efforts were directed at the priorities for the biennium 2026-2027 and beyond under the FAO Reviewed Strategic Framework 2022-2031.
Further, CARICOM countries met with FAO Assistant Director (Regional), IICA Director General and The Vice Minister of Agriculture of Brazil and his senior programme officers.
In summary, the meetings resulted in opportunities to explore cooperation that will strengthen and influence FAO’s work programme in Antigua & Barbuda for the next two years, mainly in the areas of Soil and Water Management, Protected Agriculture and Organizational review of the Department of Agriculture to deliver Climate Smart Technologies & Approaches support.
39th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and Caribbean – by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
The 39th Regional Conference is a space for high-level technical and political dialogue on the progress and challenges faced by Latin America and the Caribbean in combating both hunger and malnutrition. The Session will include a Senior Officers Meeting on 2–3 March, followed by the Ministerial Meeting from 4–6 March, in Brasília, Brazil.
The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Conference is an official forum where the Member States of the Latin America and the Caribbean region meet to discuss the priority challenges and issues related to food and agriculture, with the aim of promoting regional coherence on global policy matters. These Regional Conference is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of FAO’s work in serving its Member States, as well as defining priority areas of work for each biennium.
At this Regional Conference outlined will be the FAO’s lines of work under four Regional Priorities, reflecting the Four Betters of the Organization’s Strategic Framework—four interconnected dimensions that contribute to the transformation of agrifood systems:
- Regional Priority 1: Efficient, inclusive and sustainable production. (Better production)
- Regional Priority 2: Ending hunger and achieving food security and nutrition. (Better nutrition)
- Regional Priority 3: Sustainable management of natural resources and climate change adaptation. (Better environment)
- Regional Priority 4: Reducing inequalities and poverty and promoting resilience. (Better life)
Government officials from the members states participating will including Heads of State, Ministers of Agriculture and Ministers from other sectors, specialized agencies and entities of the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, private-sector organizations, academia and research institutions, parliamentarians, observers and non-member states.
In addition, the high-level political discussions on agrifood systems taking place during the Regional Conference have drawn the attention of institutions that have recently partnered with FAO’s work in the region, including regional and international development banks and international financial institutions.
Representing Antigua and Barbuda at both meetings is Mr. Walter Christopher/Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Community Spirit Blossoms at the 2026 Community Gardens & Beautification Festival Launch byTyreke Thomas-Horsford
The spirit of community pride, environmental stewardship, and national unity was on full display at the 2026 Community Gardens & Beautification Festival Launch, held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Luna Park in St. Peter’s. The event brought together government officials, community leaders, students, and residents to celebrate the importance of green spaces and the role communities play in creating a a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Antigua and Barbuda.
Serving as Master of Ceremony, Mr. Birchfield Osborne skilfully guided the morning’s proceedings, ensuring the program flowed smoothly while highlighting the significance of the initiative. The ceremony officially began with the Call to Order, also led by Mr. Osborne, setting a tone of purpose and collaboration for the gathering.
Patriotism filled the air as Ms. Marjorie Galvez delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, uniting attendees in a shared expression of national pride. This was followed by a heartfelt prayer by Dr. Yolanda Martin, Coordinator of Ecclesiastical Affairs, who offered words of gratitude and blessings for the continued growth and success of community development efforts across the nation.
The audience was then welcomed with Opening Remarks from Ms. Dwannia Lake, Coordinator of the Community Gardens & Beautification Festival. She emphasized the importance of community participation in maintaining public spaces and encouraged citizens to take ownership of their surroundings, reminding everyone that beautification initiatives reflect national pride and civic responsibility.
Further highlighting the government’s commitment to community engagement, Ms. Dale O’Brien, Director of the Community Development and Citizens’ Engagement Division, delivered remarks outlining the broader vision of the program. She noted that the festival not only promotes environmental sustainability but also strengthens community bonds and encourages collaborative action among residents.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the ceremony came when students of the Old Road Primary School took the stage to present a poem celebrating nature, unity, and the beauty of community gardens. Their performance reminded the audience of the vital role young people play in shaping a greener and more responsible future.
The cultural tone of the event continued with a lively steelpan selection performed by Ms. Marjorie Galvez, adding a uniquely Caribbean musical flavour to the celebration and energizing the crowd.
The program then moved to the official addresses. Mrs. Rosa Greenaway, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, delivered a thoughtful address emphasizing the government’s dedication to community development, environmental preservation, and citizen participation in national initiatives.
The highlight of the ceremony was the Address and Official Declaration by Hon. Rawdon Turner, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation. In his remarks, Minister Turner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building resilient and vibrant communities through initiatives such as the Community Gardens and Beautification Festival. He officially declared the festival launched, encouraging communities across Antigua and Barbuda to actively participate and showcase their creativity and pride.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizers, participants, government officials, performers, students, and community members whose dedication made the launch a success. She highlighted the collective effort required to maintain vibrant communities and encouraged continued participation in the festival’s activities throughout the year.
Following the formal proceedings, attendees were invited to participate in a Garden Tour, giving them the opportunity to view the beautiful displays and learn more about sustainable gardening practices and community-led beautification efforts.
The 2026 Community Gardens & Beautification Festival promises to inspire communities across the nation to cultivate greener spaces, strengthen neighbourhood pride, and work together toward a more beautiful Antigua and Barbuda.
Department of the Blue Economy Represented at 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo in Montreal
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — Antigua and Barbuda’s voice was present on the global stage at the 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo, happening today, March 4–5, 2026 in Montreal, Canada. The high-level gathering, hosted by Economist Impact, brought together world leaders, policymakers, investors, scientists and private sector representatives to advance solutions for sustainable ocean governance and blue economy development.
Representing the Government of Antigua and Barbuda was Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy. Her participation ensured that the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were reflected in critical global discussions on marine sustainability, ocean finance, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection.
The World Ocean Summit is regarded as one of the premier international platforms dedicated to accelerating ocean action. This year’s Summit focused on scaling investment for marine conservation, strengthening regulatory and policy frameworks, fostering innovation in sustainable ocean industries, and expanding access to blue finance, particularly for vulnerable coastal and island nations.
For Antigua and Barbuda, whose Exclusive Economic Zone is many times larger than its landmass, the ocean is not simply a natural resource but a central pillar of economic growth, food security, climate resilience and cultural identity.
Speaking on the importance of participation, Ms. Woodley noted, “For Small Island Developing States like Antigua and Barbuda, ocean governance is not theoretical — it is deeply tied to our economic stability, our climate resilience, and our people’s livelihoods. Being present in these global conversations ensures that our realities shape international solutions, rather than being shaped by them.”
During the Summit, Ms. Woodley engaged in bilateral discussions with international partners and stakeholders on matters including marine conservation strategies, climate adaptation in coastal communities, sustainable fisheries management, and capacity-building initiatives. These engagements align with the Department’s ongoing work to advance sustainable ocean policies and strengthen the country’s blue economy framework.
The Department of the Blue Economy reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda remains an active and strategic participant in international ocean policy discussions. Engagement at this level supports national efforts to develop innovative, inclusive and sustainable approaches to ocean management while positioning the country as a leader among Caribbean SIDS in shaping the future of global ocean governance.
As momentum continues to build around global ocean action, Antigua and Barbuda remains dedicated to protecting its marine resources while leveraging the blue economy as a driver of sustainable development and resilience.
Miss Woodley with Ms Joanne Thompson/Minister of Fisheries – Canada
Antigua and Barbuda Launches Clean Seed Sweet Potato Initiative
The inaugural meeting of the Clean Seed Sweet Potato Committee was held this week in Antigua and Barbuda, marking a significant step forward for the country’s root crop sector under the regional Next Generation Sweet Potato Project.
The committee unites technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture, the private sector, and the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI) to establish a clean seed system, providing farmers with access to disease-free planting material. This initiative will boost productivity, enhance food security, and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.
During the meeting, members outlined project goals, clarified responsibilities, and discussed strategies to scale up clean seed production locally. Antigua and Barbuda has already collected six sweet potato varieties – Black Rock, Hurricane, King Crown, Mandela, Catch Me, and Big Red – which will be sent to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for tissue culture to ensure disease-free planting material.
The committee will meet regularly to monitor progress, coordinate training, and share knowledge, ensuring the project’s benefits reach farmers and communities nationwide.
Implemented by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the European Union, the Next Generation Sweet Potato Project is a four-year initiative across Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, aimed at modernizing root crop agriculture and supporting sustainable food systems in the Caribbean.
National Agricultural Technicians to participate in Regional Virtual Sweet Potato Training Programme
Fourteen Agriculture Technicians from Antigua and Barbuda are set to participate in a regional virtual training programme focused on sweet potato identification, morphological characterization and cataloguing.
The local cohort will join 46 other participants from across the Caribbean under the Next Generation Sweet Potato Project, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening technical capacity in crop research and genetic resource management.
The training will be facilitated by Dr. Ronald Robles of the International Potato Center (CIP). It comprises 10 hours of theoretical instruction delivered through five interactive virtual sessions, each approximately two hours long. Sessions are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from February 24 to March 3, 2026.
The course curriculum is structured to build both conceptual understanding and applied competencies. Session One will provide an overview of sweet potato genetic diversity. Session Two and Three will focus on the characterization of foliage and root traits respectively. Session Four will cover data analysis methods, while Session Five will introduce molecular tools for genotyping.
Following the virtual component, participants in Antigua and Barbuda will engage in a structured in-field practical session on March 23, 2026 at the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) field station. The hands-on exercise is designed to consolidate the theoretical concepts and technical techniques covered during the online sessions.
The initiative seeks to enhance regional expertise in sweet potato research and development, with particular emphasis on improved cataloguing and utilization of genetic resources. Strengthening these capacities is considered critical for advancing food security and agricultural innovation across the Caribbean.
The Next Generation Sweet Potato Project is being implemented and coordinated by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Funding is provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the European Union.
The four-year project is being implemented in collaboration with Ministries of Agriculture and CARDI in Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica and St. Lucia, reinforcing a coordinated regional approach to crop improvement and sustainable agricultural development.
Implementing Innovative Strategies towards improving the Honeybee Population and Health Status to Control the Varroa Mite for Sustainable Beekeeping in Antigua and Barbuda by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
This project commenced 2023 on Antigua and Barbuda and has several different components with activities such as the planting of Bee-friendly trees, Queen bees breeding, bees and hives inspections. The project was financed by the Global Environment Facility/Small Grants Programme (“GEF SGP”), implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and under the supervision of Mr. Brent Georges/Project Coordinator for the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.
As recent as 6th to 16th Mr. John Frederick, a Queen Bee breeder and consultant from St. Lucia visited the twin-island working in the fields with the beekeepers observing and sharing valuable tips pertaining to apiary management, early detection of the Varroa mite, mitigation and eradication.
The Varroa mite is a parasitic pest that attacks honeybees, severely threatening to the colonies and the beekeeping industry. It is considered one of the most dangerous enemies of the honeybees in the world. The Varroa mite infestation can eradicate a hive or colony within 3-4 years therefore with proper management, early detection and control this could be prevented.
The Antigua Beekeepers Cooperative in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture is working earnestly to improve the honeybee population and health status while controlling the mite situation on Antigua for a sustainable Apiary industry.
The last engagement before his departure Mr. Frederick held a discussion on Monday 15th February with beekeepers and interested/potential beekeepers. The session was very interactive so much so that a meeting schedule for an hour and half went on for almost an hour more. One can say that it was indeed a buzzing session.
IICA SUPPORTS SCHOOLS AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMME
WORLD PULSES DAY: HONOURING THE POWER OF PULSES EVERY FEBRUARY 10th by Tyreke G Thomas-Horsford
Every year on February 10, the global community celebrates World Pulses Day, an international observance dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of pulses in nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and global food security. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, the day builds on the success of the International Year of Pulses 2016, which highlighted the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses.
A Brief History of World Pulses Day
The momentum for a global observance grew after the UN recognized the pivotal role that pulses could play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting hunger, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Following a proposal by Burkina Faso, the UN declared February 10 as World Pulses Day to serve as an annual platform for promoting pulse production, consumption, and innovation worldwide.
Theme for World Pulses Day 2026: “Pulses of the World — From Modesty to Excellence”
The 2026 theme celebrates the journey of pulses from humble staple foods to globally recognized super-foods. It underscores their role in nutritious diets, sustainable agriculture, soil health, culinary diversity, and climate resilience.
Understanding Pulses
Pulses are the dry edible seeds of legume plants and include common varieties such as:
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Dry beans
- Dry peas
- Lupins
Nutrient dense, affordable, and widely grown, pulses serve as staple foods in many regions and are celebrated for their high protein content, dietary fiber, vitamins, iron minerals, such as folate (vitamin B9) and potassium.
Why the World Celebrates Pulses
1. To Promote Nutrition and Healthy Diets
Pulses have all these essential nutrients. Their naturally low fat and cholesterol-free makeup makes them indispensable in combating malnutrition, lifestyle diseases and have long shelf lives.
2. To Support Sustainable Agriculture
Pulses naturally fix nitrogen into the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. They also require much less water than most protein sources, making them ideal for drought prone and water scarce regions.
3. To Strengthen Global Food Security
Because they are affordable, long lasting, and nutritionally powerful, pulses support the dietary needs of millions, particularly in developing countries. They are especially important where access to meat and dairy is limited.
Pulses and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
World Pulses Day reinforces progress toward several SDGs, including:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
By supporting better production, better nutrition, and better environmental outcomes, pulses are integral to a healthier and more resilient food system.
What Antigua and Barbuda Must Do
As a small island developing state facing water scarcity, climate vulnerability, and import dependence, Antigua and Barbuda must take proactive steps to harness the power of pulses in ways that strengthen national food security and climate resilience.
1. Expand Climate Smart Farming Practices
Antigua and Barbuda is among the driest islands in the Caribbean, with highly variable rainfall and limited freshwater resources. This makes agriculture extremely vulnerable. Farmers are already piloting innovative solutions such as solar powered pumps, drip irrigation, and water efficient systems, which significantly reduce reliance on rainfall and fossil fuels. These strategies must be expanded nationwide.
2. Promote Drought Resilient Crop Diversification
Institutions like CARDI support Antigua’s agriculture by promoting drought tolerant varieties and conservation practices that enhance resilience. Integrating pulse crops—which naturally tolerate drought and enrich soil fertility—into these programmes would strengthen local farming systems and diversify food sources.
3. Increase Local Pulse Production
Pulses thrive in low water environments and can significantly enhance soil quality through nitrogen fixation. Antigua and Barbuda should expand production of:
- Pigeon peas
- Beans
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
Local cultivation would reduce food import bills, enhance nutrition, and provide farmers with climate-resilient income opportunities.
4. Strengthen Government Support and Infrastructure
The government has already invested in dams, ponds, and major agricultural infrastructure to support farmers. Continuing this momentum—especially through support for irrigation, seed systems, and research—will be critical for scaling up pulse production across the islands.
5. Build Public Awareness and Community Engagement
Schools, community groups, and backyard gardeners should be encouraged to incorporate pulses into daily meals and small-scale farming. World Pulses Day provides an excellent opportunity for nutrition education, school garden programmes, cooking demonstrations, and public awareness campaigns focused on the benefits of pulses. These grassroots efforts can transform household diets and strengthen local food security.
Conclusion
World Pulses Day serves as a powerful reminder of the immense value that pulses bring to our diets, economies, and ecosystems. As global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity intensify, pulses offer a sustainable, nutritious, and affordable solution.
For Antigua and Barbuda, embracing pulses is not just a celebration—it is a strategic pathway toward building a more resilient, food-secure future. By strengthening climate-smart agriculture, expanding local production, and empowering communities to appreciate the benefits of pulses, the nation can join the world in elevating these humble seeds from “modesty to excellence.”
Aquaculture and Mariculture: Understanding the Difference by Shenequa Williams
As the global appetite for seafood grows and wild fish stocks face increasing pressure, farming the water has become one of the fastest-growing food production sectors in the world. Two terms we often hear are aquaculture and mariculture. Although they are closely connected, they are not the same. Understanding the difference helps us see how we can strengthen our blue economy, especially here in Antigua and Barbuda.
Aquaculture is the broad term for farming aquatic organisms in controlled environments. It includes the cultivation of fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants in freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater. This means aquaculture covers everything from tilapia raised in inland ponds to shrimp grown in coastal lagoons and seaweed farmed offshore. It can take place in tanks, ponds, cages, or natural water bodies, and it can be done on a small community scale or as a larger commercial operation. Globally, aquaculture now provides more than half of the seafood people consume, making it a key contributor to food production and economic development.
Mariculture, on the other hand, is a specific type of aquaculture that focuses only on farming marine organisms in saltwater environments. All mariculture is aquaculture, but not all aquaculture is mariculture. Mariculture takes place in our coastal waters, sheltered bays, and offshore areas. It includes activities such as oyster farming, lobster cultivation, marine fish cage culture, and sea moss production. Because it operates in the sea, mariculture requires us to carefully protect our coral reefs and maintain good water quality.
For us in Antigua and Barbuda, we may have limited freshwater resources, but we are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. That gives us tremendous potential to expand sustainable mariculture. By investing in sea moss farming, oyster cultivation, and marine fish production, we can reduce seafood imports, create jobs in our coastal communities, and strengthen our blue economy. With proper planning and environmental care, we can use our waters wisely and build a more resilient future.
