Antigua and Barbuda Joins Landmark OECS Agricultural Study Tour to Costa Rica

By Brent Simon

Ministry Officials Explore Climate-Smart Innovation, Youth Empowerment & Regional Resilience

San José, Costa Rica – Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands,Fisheries and the Blue Economy along with the Director of Agriculture, joined their counterparts from across the Eastern Caribbean for the first official OECS Joint Meeting and Study Tour on Agriculture, held in Costa Rica from May 26 to 30, 2025.

Organized by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the historic event brought together Ministers of Agriculture, senior officials, and a vibrant delegation of women and youth leaders to explore regional strategies for food security, innovation, and climate resilience.

The week-long study tour—held at IICA Headquarters in San José—marked a new chapter in the Caribbean’s push to modernize agriculture by embracing digital tools, sustainable practices, and inclusive leadership. Participating countries included Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Dominica.

Regional Vision, Local Action

Mr Gregory Bailey, Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Agriculture emphasized the value of learning firsthand from a country globally recognized for its climate-smart agricultural practices and agroecological innovation.

➢ “This experience reinforced our understanding that building resilient food systems requires more than policies—it demands people: trained, motivated youth, empowered women, and institutions willing to adapt,” the Director said.

“Costa Rica is living proof that sustainable agriculture can be a national priority with global impact.”

Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher, echoed these sentiments, adding that the Ministry intends to pursue a research-based agricultural model to better respond to the impacts of climate change and environmental instability.

➢ “Our focus now must shift to evidence-based practices,” the PS said. “We believe organizations like CARDI should be positioned to lead the development of agricultural technologies and promote sustainable, climate-smart farming across the OECS.”

The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that this vision isn’t just aspirational—it’s strategic.

➢ “Antigua and Barbuda must build stronger partnerships with regional, Inter-American, and international agencies,” the PS continued. “By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, we can secure the kind of funding and technical support necessary to make Climate Smart Agriculture a reality.”

Youth & Women at the Forefront

The OECS/IICA initiative notably centered rural youth and women as key agents of change—both as participants and policy influencers. Antigua and Barbuda’s representatives engaged in roundtable discussions, farm tours, and planning sessions alongside more than twenty young and female agricultural leaders from across the subregion.

This inclusive approach underscores a larger mission: to repopulate, revitalize, and redesign Caribbean agriculture in ways that ensure its sustainability for future generations.

A Launchpad for Transformation

The study tour also laid the groundwork for deeper technical cooperation between OECS member states and IICA in areas such as:

Smart agriculture technologies

Climate risk management

Rural entrepreneurship

Land and water management

Educational exchanges and internships

With the Caribbean facing increasing threats from climate change, economic volatility, and food import dependency, the delegation’s visit to Costa Rica was as much about inspiration as preparation.

➢ “We’re returning home not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed urgency to act,” said the Director.

“Agriculture must no longer be seen as a backup plan—it is the frontline of national resilience.”

Next Steps

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy will be convening a local follow-up session with farmers, agripreneurs, and stakeholders to share insights from the Costa Rica mission. Special attention will be given to ways to integrate CARDI into local technology adaptation efforts and to strengthen project implementation through strategic alliances.

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