Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) 48d ago

In an era of global uncertainty and escalating climate crises, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica have launched a definitive regional intervention to reclaim food sovereignty. This initiative transforms the root and tuber crop sector into a central pillar of climate resilience and economic strength, embodying the belief that true security begins with the ability to feed ourselves. The OECS Root and Tuber Crop Symposium, held from May 7–8, 2026, at the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, brought together policymakers, farmers, and technical experts to reposition local staples as high-value economic drivers under the OECS Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Strategy. This initiative was supported by the European Union through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) through the Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) programme. This strategic intervention comes as the region faces critical vulnerabilities, with food import bills reaching up to 90% in some Member States. The symposium emphasises a shift from simple food security to true food sovereignty, aligning with the CARICOM “25 by 2025 + 5” mandate to reduce regional food imports by 25%. ABOUT THE OECS The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international organisation dedicated to economic harmonisation and integration, protection of human and legal rights, and the encouragement of good governance among independent and non-independent countries in the Eastern Caribbean. The OECS came into being on June 18th 1981, when seven Eastern Caribbean countries signed a treaty agreeing to cooperate with each other while promoting unity and solidarity among its Members. The Treaty became known as the Treaty of Basseterre, so named in honour of the capital city of St. Kitts and Nevis where it was signed. The OECS today, currently has eleven members, spread across the Eastern Caribbean, comprising Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Martinique and Guadeloupe. For more information, visit www.oecs.int. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! ► LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/OECS_LK ►Instagram: https://bit.ly/OECS_IG ►Facebook: https://bit.ly/OECS_FB ►Twitter: https://bit.ly/OECS_TT