The recent revelation that the number of people in the English-speaking Caribbean estimated to be facing moderate to severe levels of food insecurity has risen by 46 per cent over the last six months, is certainly grim news. Periodically, we have had warning shots fired across our bows, particularly those which, in recent years, have pointed to the mounting regional indifference to strengthening its agricultural base. This has come alongside concerns voiced over the desirability of reducing extra-regional food imports.
Both of these concerns were ventilated earlier this year in the wake of a high-profile initiative to step up agriculture and agro-processing in the Caribbean as part of an overarching strategy, not just to increase regional food production, but also to create a structure to ensure efficient and effective food distribution across the region.
