Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Mini-Launch for CCRAF on the Road 10th Anniversary

Antigua and Barbuda recently hosted a mini-launch event celebrating the 10th Anniversary of CCRAF on the Road, held at the Caribbean Agricultural and Development Institute (CARDI) Field Station at Betty’s Hope. The gathering brought together regional experts, national agencies, and local stakeholders to explore climate-resilient strategies for Caribbean agriculture.

The event was chaired by Craig Thomas, National Specialist for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Antigua and Barbuda, who emphasized the urgency for small island states to adopt climate-smart agricultural systems to address increasing vulnerabilities.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Greg Rawlins, IICA Representative for the Eastern Caribbean, who highlighted the importance of translating knowledge into action. Dr. Kurt Delice, Special Affairs Coordinator for the Caribbean and IICA Representative in Suriname, provided context on CCRAF as a “knowledge-to-action” network that promotes climate-smart practices, policies, and adoption across the region.

A key focus of the mini-launch was the Mobile Seedbank (MSB) Project, presented by Nekila Gregoire-Karai, Technical Specialist in Water and Soil Management and MSB Coordinator for IICA. The initiative aims to strengthen seed storage, mobilize genetic resources, and enhance farmer responsiveness to climate challenges.

Junior Greene, CARDI Representative for Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat, emphasized CARDI’s ongoing role in crop research and seed resilience. Meanwhile, Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, stressed the foundational role of seeds in national food security. He noted the shift from traditional indigenous landrace varieties toward imported hybrids, which has increased dependence on external seed sources and heightened risks to agricultural resilience.

Craig Thomas outlined the week-long agenda, which includes capacity-building sessions, technical demonstrations, farmer engagements, and field exercises, designed to move participants from awareness to practical implementation.

Attendees were guided through CARDI’s seed-storage unit to observe how improved infrastructure and technology enhance seed longevity and viability under climate stress. The mini-launch also featured a live drone demonstration by Michael Joseph, President of the Agricultural Forum for Youths (ABAFY) and Caribbean Young Farmer of the Year 2025, showcasing precision agriculture tools for mapping, monitoring, and managing crops.

The event concluded with networking, group photos, and refreshments, giving participants an opportunity to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and commit to advancing climate-resilient agriculture across the Caribbean.