The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has initiated the 'Next Generation Sweet Potato Production in the Caribbean' project, aimed at providing clean sweet potato planting material to enhance local and regional yields. The launch event took place at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston.
This four-year initiative is a collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture in Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Lucia, alongside the Caribbean Agriculture Research Development Institute (CARDI). It is backed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with a funding of US$596,000.
Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green, addressed the launch, highlighting the project's role in boosting sweet potato production through improved seed quality, pest management, and environmental resilience. Green stated, "All our regional governments have recognized that sweet potato is critical as a part of our food security matrix."
Sweet potato is a staple across the Caribbean, noted for its versatility. Green pointed out its potential for import substitution, especially as a replacement for wheat flour and as a component in animal feed, contributing to regional food security.
In 2024, approximately 995,000 kilograms of sweet potatoes were exported from Jamaica to various international markets, generating US$3 million. IICA's Kent Coipel emphasized the project's focus on resilience, sustainability, and economic opportunities for farmers.
Representatives Gregory Bailey from Antigua and Barbuda and Kemuel Jn Baptiste from St. Lucia also expressed support for the project in their respective nations.
Source: loop