BVI Joins Caribbean Food Resilience Summit
Around 160 agricultural stakeholders and policymakers from across the Caribbean gathered at the University of the Virgin Islands for the Island Food Systems Summit II. The four-day event focused on strategies to bolster local food production and reduce the region's reliance on imported goods. Representatives from the British Virgin Islands and neighboring nations shared critical knowledge on climate resilience and sustainable farming.
THOMAS — Approximately 160 agricultural stakeholders, policymakers, food advocates, and industry leaders from across the Caribbean gathered recently at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas to address one of the region's most pressing challenges: food resilience and security.
The four-day Island Food Systems Summit II, organized by Virgin Islands Good Food, was held under the theme "Grow, Gather, and Galvanize." The conference brought together representatives from the British Virgin Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti, St.
Lucia, and San Andres, Colombia, to exchange crucial knowledge and craft actionable strategies for strengthening regional food systems. For island territories like the British Virgin Islands, food security remains a vital economic and environmental priority. Caribbean territories frequently import between 80 and 90 percent of their food supply, leaving local populations acutely vulnerable to international shipping delays, global market inflation, and severe weather events.
Summit participants underscored that enhancing local production is essential for long-term territorial resilience. Throughout the event, delegates engaged in collaborative workshops focusing on modern farming techniques, sustainable agro-processing, distribution logistics, and policy reforms necessary to support small-scale producers.
Farmers, scientists, and officials shared practical insights on climate-smart agriculture, soil regeneration, and water management systems designed specifically to withstand the environmental realities of tropical islands. The participation of British Virgin Islands representatives highlights the ongoing push within the territory to revitalize the local agricultural and fisheries sectors.
By collaborating with regional counterparts facing similar geographical and economic constraints, local advocates aim to implement practical solutions that encourage youth participation in farming, incentivize local food production, and ensure healthier produce reaches community tables.
Organizers emphasized that achieving true food sovereignty requires cross-border solidarity and unified policy approaches. As the summit concluded, participants committed to maintaining active regional networks to support local farmers and advance sustainable food initiatives across the wider Caribbean.
Primary source: Virgin Islands Daily News (Website)