ONE MORE TIME!
The talk yet again is about the need for the Caribbean to produce more of its own food. This time it is Prime Minister Freundel Stuart who has joined the long chorus line singing this critical need.
We all know that few things matter more than food. Yet by our own actions in the Caribbean we seem to have consistently overlooked the importance of ensuring that we have food security.
Our focus has been on patronising extra-regional nations, thereby bolstering their agricultural sectors and related industries. In the process we import food that cannot be guaranteed as being of the highest quality, and spend valuable foreign exchange to purchase it.
An additional factor we have often overlooked is the threat of climate change and its negative impact, especially on the small island states.
Food production systems and food stocks can be negatively affected – and significantly so – by various climate challenges. Evidence of the impact of climate change is best noted from the often rapid changes in weather conditions. In the past five years we have witnessed widespread floods in many CARICOM states.
Mr Stuart’s hope of Belize, Guyana and Suriname becoming the breadbasket of this region needs to become a reality. And while food production is clearly the major goal, numerous other opportunities abound, from scientific and agricultural research to the use of various levels of technology.
Jobs for young
There could also be jobs for our young people – inclusive of planting, harvesting, processing, marketing, better use of aquaculture and providing new opportunities in transshipment.
That dynamic link from farm-gate to table would be created. All of these involvements would provide clear opportunities for regional corporate giants as they must be for family farms. Agriculture is a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development, with many links to other areas of economic activity.
Obviously, these things can engender intra-CARICOM solutions.
If we continue to talk and not act, then a pleasant dream could become a realistic nightmare. The Chinese and Russians – and whoever else amongst the developed nations – are looking to purchase huge tracks of lands outside of their borders for agricultural purposes. They want to ensure their own food security. And the Caribbean nations with the available land and water are well within their radar.
Now is the time to stop talking and start acting. Now there is the opportunity to make CARICOM meaningful to both corporate and individual citizens. It is up to Prime Minister Dean Barrow and presidents David Granger and Desi Bouterse.