Agriculture stakeholders trained to improve access to regional markets

(CARICOM)- Agriculture focal points in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) participated in a training session on 22 January on the use of a digital platform for agricultural market information.

The platform, titled Regional Electronic Agricultural Market Information System (REAMIS), is designed to connect farmers with market data, business tools, and networking opportunities, and improve access to regional markets under the 25 x 25 + 5 agenda. It is being implemented in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

In remarks at the opening ceremony on Thursday, Mr. Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager, Agricultural and Agri-Industrial Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, described the training as a journey on the road to achieving the 25 x25+5 food security initiative, and creating economic health and wellbeing. He pointed out that it aims to boost intra-regional trade based on the requirements of Member States, and encouraged the focal points to fully utilise the system as it facilitates networking as well.

“This is an investment that the Region has made. This is an investment in our people. It’s an investment in you, and even more important, an investment in our farmers,” Mr. Baugh underscored.

He also expressed gratitude and recognised IICA for its support in developing the platform.