CARICOM Launches Initiative to Harmonise Agricultural Trade Standards

A new regional initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural trade within the Caribbean has been launched, with the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) convening an inception meeting to begin developing regional Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards for priority agricultural commodities.

The initiative forms part of a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded project titled “Strengthening the Framework for Intra-Regional Trade in Agriculture Products” (Grant GA239/REG), which seeks to improve the regulatory environment governing agricultural trade across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Under the project’s first component, work will focus on the development of 10 harmonised SPS standards for selected agricultural commodities. The standards will build on regional trade guidelines previously adopted by the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED–Agriculture) and will involve consultations with national authorities and stakeholders across CARICOM Member States.

The consultancy is being implemented by CAB International (CABI), which will collaborate with CAHFSA, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), and a Regional Technical Advisory Committee comprising specialists in plant health, veterinary services, and food safety from across the Region.

Speaking at the launch, CAHFSA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gavin Peters underscored the importance of harmonised standards in facilitating safe and efficient agricultural trade within the Caribbean.

“The development of regional SPS standards represents an important step in strengthening the foundation for intra-regional agricultural trade. By harmonising technical requirements across countries, we can reduce uncertainty for exporters, improve market access, and enhance the safety and quality of agricultural products traded within the Caribbean,” Dr. Peters said.

Currently, varying national SPS measures across Caribbean countries often present challenges for exporters and traders seeking to move agricultural products within the Region. The adoption of common standards is expected to provide clearer guidance for producers, regulators, and traders while supporting the safe movement of agricultural commodities across borders.

The initiative also aligns with the CARICOM Food Security Agenda and the Region’s 25 by 2025 + 5 Initiative, which aims to reduce the Caribbean’s food import bill by boosting regional food production and trade.

According to Mr. Malcolm Wallace, Operations Officer at the Caribbean Development Bank, the project demonstrates the Bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Caribbean’s agri-food systems.

“Strengthening regional SPS frameworks is critical to unlocking the full potential of intra-regional trade in agricultural products. This initiative will help create a more predictable and transparent regulatory environment, enabling Caribbean producers and traders to compete more effectively while safeguarding plant, animal and human health,” Wallace noted.

The consultancy will include consultations with national SPS authorities, technical experts, and private sector stakeholders throughout the Region. Draft standards will be reviewed and validated through regional consultations before being submitted to COTED–Agriculture for consideration.

Dr. Benoit Gnonlonfin, Technical Lead for the CABI consultancy team, said the development of the standards will rely on strong collaboration among regional partners.

“Developing practical and science-based SPS standards requires strong collaboration with national authorities and regional partners. Our team looks forward to working closely with Member States to ensure that the resulting standards are technically sound, implementable, and supportive of regional trade,” he stated.

The project will also involve collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, recognising the important role fisheries products play in the regional agri-food system.

Beyond the development of regional standards, the broader initiative will support capacity-building for national SPS systems and the creation of knowledge and communication products aimed at strengthening human capital across the Caribbean’s agri-food value chain.

CARICOM officials say the initiative is expected to contribute to a more integrated and resilient Caribbean agricultural sector by improving regulatory clarity, facilitating trade, and enhancing the Region’s ability to manage agricultural health and food safety risks.