Dominica hosted the OECS Root Crop Symposium, uniting farmers and experts to boost root crop production and regional food security.
Dominica: The Government of Dominica, in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has launched a Root and Tuber Crop Symposium held at the Intercontinental Cabrits Resort & Spa in Portsmouth, Dominica. The Symposium officially opened on Thursday, May 7 and concluded Friday, May 8, 2026.
The two-day crop symposium brought together farmers, researchers and policymakers who gathered to discuss the future of root crop production in the region, with discussions featuring innovative farming techniques for staple crops like cassava, dasheen, yam, and sweet potato. The event was open to all interested individuals who had the opportunity to connect with different farmers, researchers and agribusiness leaders across the OECS.
Present at the opening ceremony were Minister of Finance Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister of Agriculture Roland Royer, the Parliamentary Representative for the Portsmouth Constituency Fenella Wenham Shepherd, and other Agriculture Ministers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and many more.
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In her address at the opening ceremony Parliamentary Representative Fenella Wenham Shepherd spoke of the significance of root crops for the region, speaking of their resilience and endurance.
One of the most resilient and essential pillars of Caribbean food security—our root crops. These crops have sustained our people for generations. Through sun, droughts, economic shocks and global uncertainty, these crops have remained dependable, adaptable and deeply connected to our culture and survival, stated Fenella Wenham Shepherd.
Noting the role the event plays in shaping the future of the crops, she further added, “Our conversations must go beyond just production, the future of agriculture in the OECS depends on diversification, innovation and value addition. We must continue exploring new varieties, modern farming techniques, climate smart practices and stronger regional collaboration.”
Under the theme “Our Food, Our Future – Strengthening and expanding roots and tubers value chain,” this initiative is a step forward to advance CARICOM’s “25 by 2025” mandate to reduce food imports and is well aligned with the OECS Fast Strategy.
Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy shared the livestream of the official opening ceremony on Facebook.