The Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF) successfully concluded a productive week of engagement at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2026, joining regional governments, development partners, youth leaders, researchers, private sector stakeholders and civil society organisations in advancing discussions on the future of Caribbean food systems.
Held under the theme “The New F.A.C.E. of Caribbean Food Systems”, Caribbean Week of Agriculture brought together stakeholders from across the region to explore innovative, resilient and sustainable solutions to food and nutrition security challenges. The programme featured more than 70 technical sessions, plenaries, exhibitions and networking opportunities focused on transforming Caribbean agriculture and accelerating regional food systems development.
The delegation participated in the conference plenary sessions and attended several technical discussions covering key emerging issues in agriculture and food systems development. Among the sessions attended were the Applied Artificial Intelligence and Citizen Science session hosted by the University of the West Indies and the Nutrition-Smart and Real Food Solutions session convened by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the World Bank. These discussions explored the role of technology, innovation, nutrition-sensitive programming and evidence-based decision-making in building resilient food systems across the Caribbean.
A major highlight of ZHTF’s participation was the hosting of the Regional Zero Hunger Dialogue, which generated strong interest among delegates and development partners. The dialogue provided an opportunity to showcase Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ experience in implementing integrated food security, nutrition, youth and community development programmes while fostering valuable discussions on practical pathways towards achieving Zero Hunger across the region.
The Fund also participated in the Youth Innovation Village Expo, where it showcased the EU-CaN Cultivating Futures Project and its #GardenToLunch initiative. The display attracted significant interest from delegates, practitioners and young people attending the conference, creating opportunities to share lessons learned from ZHTF’s work in linking school gardens, nutrition education and local food production.
Further demonstrating its commitment to youth engagement, the ZHTF delegation participated in the Youth Forum hosted by the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, where the Cultivating Futures Project was presented as an example of innovative approaches to youth development, agriculture and food security. The Fund also attended technical discussions, including the CARICOM Youth Advisory Body (CAYAB) session on the Local Agriculture First Policy (LAFP), which explored opportunities to strengthen youth participation and local food systems through policy and programme interventions.
Beyond the formal sessions, Caribbean Week of Agriculture provided an important platform for strategic networking and partnership development. The Fund held bilateral discussions with representatives of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF), and members of the EU-CaN implementation team, including FIAP. Discussions focused on shared priorities in food security, youth empowerment, climate resilience, nutrition-sensitive programming and opportunities for future collaboration.
The delegation also engaged with several regional institutions and organisations implementing programmes aligned with ZHTF’s mandate, facilitating the exchange of experiences, lessons learned and best practices in areas such as agricultural development, social protection, community resilience and sustainable food systems.
Reflecting on the week’s activities, CEO Safiya Horne-Bique noted that Caribbean Week of Agriculture continues to serve as a critical platform for regional collaboration and innovation. “The week provided an invaluable opportunity to share the work being undertaken in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, learn from regional partners and strengthen relationships that can advance our collective goals for food security, nutrition and sustainable development. The strong interest shown in our programmes, particularly the Regional Zero Hunger Dialogue and Cultivating Futures Project, demonstrates the importance of practical, community-centred solutions in building resilient Caribbean food systems.”
As ZHTF advances implementation of its Strategic Plan and flagship initiatives, the knowledge gained, partnerships formed and ideas exchanged during Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2026 will support the Fund’s continued efforts to deliver innovative, inclusive and sustainable solutions for the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
