ICRISAT and CARICOM Private Sector Organization Forge Landmark Partnership to Strengthen Agri-Food Resilience and Reduce Import Dependence

22 February 2025, Africa: 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.

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.

“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.

Also Read: Legal Clarity Needed on Responsibility for MRL Adherence in Pesticides: CCFI

📢 Reach Farmers, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand!
Got news to share? A company story to highlight? Looking to launch an impactful advertising campaign?  Connect with us at info@krishakjagat.org or nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org and make your mark!

📢 Connect with 100+ Million Farmers! India’s leading farmers rely on Krishak Jagat’s Hindi website for trusted agriculture news, advisory and insights. Click here to explore!