CARDI Saint Lucia joins the Ministry of Agriculture and the global community in celebrating World Food Day 2025

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Each year on October 16th, the world comes together to reflect on one of humanity’s most fundamental needs, food. This year, under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” World Food Day 2025 calls for renewed collaboration, innovation, and resilience in the face of mounting global challenges. The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) proudly joins the Ministry of Agriculture and the people of Saint Lucia in commemorating this day — not just in words, but through action rooted in science, community, and shared purpose.

🌱 A Strategic Commitment to Food Security

CARDI’s 2028 Strategic Plan outlines a bold vision for agricultural transformation across the Region. Anchored in sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, the plan prioritizes:

• Climate-smart agriculture to build resilience against droughts, heat waves, floods, and shifting weather patterns
• Seed systems and genetic resources to ensure farmers have access to pest-free, high-yielding, and locally adapted planting material
• Agri-entrepreneurship and youth engagement to empower the next generation of food producers and innovators
• Research and technology transfer to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application

In each Caribbean country, CARDI’s work is aligned with national development goals and supports the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to build a resilient, productive, and inclusive food system.

🤝 Partnership at the Heart of Progress

The theme “Hand in Hand” resonates strongly with CARDI’s approach. Our work thrives on collaboration — with farmers, youth groups, ministries, NGOs, and international partners. Whether it’s co-developing trials with local nurseries or facilitating certified seed sourcing through regional and international agencies, CARDI is committed to building bridges that strengthen each member state agricultural foundation.

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This year, CARDI has worked alongside the Ministry of Agriculture to advance:

• Farmer outreach and training on sustainable production practices
• Scientific networking to improve access to technologies and certified planting material
• Community engagement to promote food safety and nutrition awareness

🌾 Better Foods Begin with Better Systems

Food is more than sustenance — it is culture, economy, and survival. In the Caribbean, where smallholder farmers form the backbone of rural life, better foods mean:

• Safe seeds and soils
• Efficient water use
• Access to markets
• Protection from pests and diseases
• Empowered communities

CARDI’s ongoing research into agroecological practices, climate resilience, and value chain development is helping nations achieve their food and nutrition security goals by integrating science with local knowledge. CARDI recognizes that food security is not just technical — it’s human.

🗣 A Word from CARDI Leadership

“Every person must have access to nutritious, safe and affordable food,” says Ansari Hosein, Executive Director of CARDI. “To achieve this, CARDI will continue to leverage partnerships and pursue projects and other initiatives that provide the science-based solutions needed to transform and reposition Caribbean agriculture.”

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🌟 Looking Ahead

World Food Day is not just a celebration — it’s a call to action. As we look toward 2026 and beyond, CARDI remains committed to:

• Scaling up pilot projects that demonstrate science-based solutions
• Supporting the Caribbean’s emergence as a hub for agricultural innovation
• Strengthening partnerships that empower farmers and communities

Together, hand in hand, we can build a future where every child, every farmer, and every community has access to better food — and the dignity, health, and opportunity that come with it.