CABI Member Country Consultation For The Americas And Caribbean Focuses On Tackling Major Agricultural And Environmental Challenges Through Collaboration

06 October 2025, Africa: CABI convened a Regional Consultation Meeting with its Member Countries in the Americas and Caribbean from 16–18 September, bringing together representatives to review progress and discuss future priorities under the organization’s global strategy, first agreed in 2022.

The event, hosted in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, marked the conclusion of a series of four Regional Consultations held in 2025, following earlier meetings in Asia, Africa and Europe. These consultations form a central part of CABI’s engagement with its members, ensuring the organization aligns with nationally, regionally and globally identified priorities.

At the opening ceremony, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), and CABI Chief Executive Dr. Daniel Elger welcomed delegates from 11 Member Countries, alongside partner organizations and subject-matter experts. Joining them to welcome delegates were Ms Michelle Ann Thomas, Permanent Secretary, MALF and CABI Liaison Officer for Trinidad and Tobago, and Dr Michelle Mellowes, Chief Technical Officer (Ag.), MALF. The long-standing partnership between Trinidad & Tobago and CABI which is nearing 80 years, was highlighted at the opening.

Strategy and partnerships for sustainable agriculture

Delegates reviewed CABI’s plan to update and extend its current 2023–2025 Medium-Term Strategy through to 2028. Central to the discussions was the importance of partnerships in tackling global challenges such as hunger, poverty, gender inequality, climate change and biodiversity loss.

Presentations emphasized how collaboration can strengthen food value chains, reinforce plant health systems and expand knowledge-sharing across the region. Dr. Elger underscored the role of science-based, innovative solutions in achieving food and nutrition security, noting the need to support sustainable production, anticipate pest threats and improve farmers’ access to markets.

Reducing pesticide-related risks

Pesticide risk reduction featured prominently on the agenda for this and all four consultations, with keynote presentations from government officials, academia and private sector representatives. Dr. Ulrich Kuhlmann, CABI’s Executive Director of Global Operations, highlighted how pesticide regulations in importing countries can influence local production and trade opportunities.

Discussions explored ways to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, with a focus on safer alternatives such as biological control and integrated pest management. Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram announced that Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries will soon introduce Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) testing using newly acquired equipment – a step aimed at improving food safety standards and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Innovation and regional initiatives

Speakers emphasized that addressing agricultural threats in an unpredictable climate will require both safer use of existing pesticides and continued investment in scientific innovation. CABI’s Regional Representative for the Caribbean and Central America, Naitram Ramnanan, outlined several biological control initiatives, including past successes against the Pink Hibiscus Mealy Bug and ongoing efforts targeting croton scale in Grenada.

Delegates also visited the Centeno Research Center, where they observed successful biocontrol measures against the Moruga Locust, and witnessed how virtual Plant Clinics operate under the CABI-led PlantwisePlus programme.

The consultation reaffirmed the role of CABI and its partners in promoting science-based, collaborative approaches to strengthen food systems and support sustainable agriculture across the Americas and Caribbean.

Also Read: Maize Prices in India Fall Nearly 10% in September 2025 Amid Surplus Supplies

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