The Caribbean Development Band (CDB) and the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) Preparation team made its visit to Antigua and Barbuda during October 27 to 29.

This was the second mission of the Climate Resilient Agriculture Programme: Strengthening Adaptation and Productivity for Sustainable growth project to be supported/financed by the Global Adaptation Fund.

This mission is not limited to the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda but also includes St. Kitts and Nevis along with St Vincent and the Grenadines. Collectively these countries through their beneficiaries would gain their portions of thirty million dollars (30M) for projects pertaining to the advancement, resilience and productivity in the agriculture sector.

The meeting on October 27th, the CDB/FAO team engaged the management and technicians of the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives from the Department of the Environment and the Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Center. Doctor Yerania Ramos Sanchez/co-ordinator and Economist presented her colleagues and then submitted the report from her first visit.

On Tuesday 28th the visiting quintuple was divided into two teams since that would have allowed coverage of more ground in limited time. One group was stationed at the Fisheries Conference room while the other was located at the GARD. Both teams conducted two workshops with Agricultural extension officers and farmers.

During these sessions pertinent information related to the development of the project with specifications for Antigua and Barbuda were obtained. This exercise is a key component of the mission and integral for its success. Since farmers/producers are referred to in the project as the beneficiaries are “co-authors” of this individualized CRA programme. Both FAO and CDB through their representatives are making sure that everything will be in order, be it from governance/legislation to execution/implementation.

Tomorrow October 29th, the mission continues in Barbuda. While there for the day all activities achieved on Antigua will be replicated there. Mandated and inspired by the mottoes such as “Zero Hunger, Leaving No One Behind, Sow the Seeds of Success, growing with Innovation, Growing Greatness and Keeping the Sector Alive onward we forge with Climate Resilience Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Projects for the ultimate goal in the quest of Food Sovereignty and