Farming Vital for Region, CARICOM
Heads of State and Agriculture and Finance ministers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meet today to discuss recovery of financial flows and increased technical support for diversifying agriculture.

Based on strengthening agriculture for sustainable development, Guyanese president, Bharrat Jagdeo warned of the threats to the sector by the increase of attractive sectors such as tourism and services.

"Agriculture plays and will always play a decisive role in the prosperity of the region," and the Head of State further explained that this product is important for exports, jobs, eliminating poverty and rural development.

The Secretary General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Jacques Diouf, supported this position and called for more action by the governments.

The conference will deal with infrastructure development, technology, food security and the need to increase investments.

The event takes place within the context of the Caribbean Single Market that is essential to establish a single market and economy within CARICOM in 2008.