Minister Ratiram Calls for Integrated Approach to Food Security and Sustainable Tourism at International Conference

March 31, 2026:-  Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, today reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening national and regional food systems through innovation, strategic partnerships and sustainable development, as he addressed the International Conference on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Tourism at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.

Delivering remarks under the conference theme, “From Soil to Society: Advancing Food and Nutrition Security, Cultural Gastronomy and Sustainable Tourism to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Minister Ratiram underscored the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how agriculture is positioned within the broader development agenda.

The Minister emphasized that agriculture must evolve beyond primary production to become a driver of nutrition, economic resilience, environmental stewardship and cultural identity.
“Food security is not simply an agricultural issue. It is an issue of economic stability, national resilience and strategic independence. A nation that cannot feed itself remains vulnerable, but a nation that strengthens its agricultural capacity strengthens its sovereignty,” Minister Ratiram stated.

Highlighting the Caribbean’s annual food import bill, which exceeds US $6 billion, the Minister noted the structural vulnerabilities facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including exposure to global supply chain disruptions and price volatility. He reiterated the Ministry’s policy focus on reducing import dependency while enhancing domestic production and value chain development.

A key focus of the Minister’s address was the strategic integration of agriculture and tourism. He pointed to the untapped economic potential of strengthening linkages between local farmers, fishers, agro-processors and the hospitality sector.

“When hotels source produce from local farmers, when restaurants highlight locally caught seafood and when our culinary traditions are authentically showcased, we create a virtuous economic cycle that benefits communities, supports livelihoods and retains value within our economy,” he noted.

Minister Ratiram also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land and water management practices, referencing the importance of “ridge-to-reef” sustainability in safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring long-term food security.

He further stressed the importance of integrating traditional agricultural knowledge with modern science and technology, while deepening collaboration among key stakeholders, including academia, development agencies and the private sector.

The Minister commended the Faculty of Food and Agriculture and conference partners for convening a forum that brings together over 200 regional and international delegates to advance dialogue and action on food systems transformation, sustainable gastronomy and agricultural innovation.

The two-day conference is expected to generate actionable insights and policy-relevant outcomes to support food sovereignty, climate resilience and sustainable economic development across the Caribbean region.

 

   

 

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