ICRISAT and CARICOM Private Sector Organization Forge Landmark Partnership to Strengthen Agri-Food Resilience and Reduce Import Dependence
Media Release
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The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost the Caribbean's agri-food resilience and cut import reliance.
This pioneering agreement with the 15-nation bloc aims to support CARICOM’s agri-food initiatives, including building upon the grouping's visionary ‘25 by 2025’ agri-food import displacement strategy.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
ICRISAT, a global leader in dryland crop science and agriculture, will provide frontier research and technical expertise, while the CPSO, a key actor in regional economic transformation, will leverage its networks and expertise to apply the science-led innovations that strengthen agriculture and improve livelihoods across the region.
Dr Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim of ICRISAT underscored the transformative potential of the partnership and its role in driving innovation to tackle the Caribbean’s unique food security challenges:
“As a region highly vulnerable to climate change, CARICOM requires sustainable solutions to enhance domestic food production and agricultural resilience.
"This partnership is a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges—paving the way for collaboration in agricultural innovation, knowledge exchange, and training programs that align with the region’s agricultural priorities," said Dr Blade.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The partnership will focus on several key areas, including:
- Research and Innovation: Facilitating scientific exchange, material sharing, and joint research initiatives to improve crop productivity and resilience.
- Private Sector Engagement: Mobilizing private sector investment and partnerships to scale up agricultural innovations and improve market access for farmers.
- Capacity Building: Developing training programs to enhance the skills of farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in sustainable agricultural practices.
- Regional and Global Collaboration: Strengthening ties with CGIAR entities and other stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean to amplify impact and explore joint funding opportunities.
Dr Patrick Antoine, CEO and Technical Director of CPSO said the organization welcomes this strategic partnership with ICRISAT, which aligns seamlessly with the CARICOM Heads of Government’s vision for a more self-reliant and sustainable region.
“In leveraging ICRISAT’s expertise in agriculture, we can build much-needed resilience and fuel growth in the agri-food sector—creating lasting impact for farmers, businesses, and communities across the Caribbean region," said Dr Antoine.
The MoU will remain in effect for three years, with provisions for review and renewal to ensure its continued relevance and impact. The partnership underscores both entities' shared commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security in the Caribbean.
.jpeg "ICRISAT Director General-Interim, Dr Stanford Blade and CPSO CEO, Dr Patrick Antoine ink the MoU in Bridgetown, Barbados and Hyderabad, India respectively.")
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This work aligns with SDGs 2, 8, 11, 13 & 17.
About ICRISAT
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering International Organization committed to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting the 2.1 billion people residing in the drylands of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.
About CPSO
The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) is an associate institution of CARICOM dedicated to advancing the private sector’s role in the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). CPSO plays a pivotal role in driving economic initiatives such as the ‘25 by 2025’ food security strategy.
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Tahira Carter
Ramon Peachey