Lennox Andrews, Grenada’s Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, highlighted the vital role of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in strengthening the country’s agriculture during the opening of the new IICA Delegation office in Grenada. The Ministry recognizes IICA as an integral partner, noting that having a physical presence on the ground enhances collaboration, coordination, and the effective implementation of agricultural initiatives. The opening was attended by key government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives from the Ministry of Climate Resilience, Environment and Renewable Energy, and IICA Eastern Caribbean States Representative Gregg Rawlins.
Andrews emphasized the importance of regional strategies and cooperation, noting that while international partnerships are crucial, solutions must also be rooted in Grenada’s own institutions, technical capacity, and regional networks. The Ministry is currently collaborating with IICA on three key projects aimed at improving agricultural sustainability and resilience. These include the Water Resource Management and Improved Irrigation Project in La Poterie, St. Andrew, which will bring water to 25 farmers across 75 acres through a small dam and pipeline system, and the construction of a Seamoss Drying Facility and Packaging House in La Calome, St. David, supported by FAO funding. A third initiative under discussion involves strengthening the Grenada Association of Beekeepers to enhance organizational and technical capacity in the apiculture sector.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening collaboration with development partners to strengthen technical capacity, promote sustainable land management, improve laboratory services, and support farmers, agro-processors, youth entrepreneurs, and rural communities. IICA Representative Gregg Rawlins underscored the organization’s 45-year commitment to Grenada’s agricultural development, noting that the new office marks a renewed dedication to technical cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth.
IICA Technical Specialist Gregory Delsol highlighted the practical impact of ongoing initiatives on capacity building, value chain strengthening, agricultural health and food safety, MSME support, and territorial development, including sea moss processing, irrigation upgrades, white potato research, and apiculture development. These efforts aim to enhance climate resilience, institutional capacity, and Grenada’s food and nutrition security. The office, which also serves as the headquarters for the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), reinforces collaboration on environmental sustainability and climate resilience. PISLM Executive Director Dr. Ronen Francis described the opening as a significant step forward for Caribbean cooperation on land, soil, and climate resilience.
