Senior programme co-ordinator of the Agricultural Policy and Value Chains, Juan Cheaz Pelaez, says it is important for farmers to be aware of their environment and the decision-making policies.
He was speaking yesterday at a press conference at the 3W Pavillion, Cave Hill, Barbados, where the Caribbean Pacific Agri-Food Forum is taking place. The event began on Monday.
“Sometimes farmers go about their business and are just recipients of decisions. We are trying for them to be aware of their own environment and not just complain,” he added.
He said they were not advocating just complaining.
He added: “They need to know what issues are in place and understand it. We are trying to promote and advocate that.
“We are trying to promote that farmers need to understand the key obstacles and we want to help them to understand and be equipped with policy-makers and know that they are part of the solution.”
Pelaez said they were trying to reach countries like Haiti to reach an alliance.
“Haiti is a producer of dasheen and has high competitive rates in the Caribbean,” he said.
Samson Vilvil Fare, the associate programme co-ordinator, who also attended the briefing said that the Pacific had developed “smart” crops for droughts and used new techniques.
Fare said transport was still a problem for many of the farmers in the Pacific.
“We are looking at specific value changes and we hoped the conference will bring experiences and contribution and share their experience,” he said.
Fare said from primary school pupils were taught the importance of eating local produce.
“We promote that in schools and this needs to be done positively every day,” he said.
Dozens of participants from various countries in the Caribbean, the Pacific and as far as India are attending the four-day forum which consist of 12 workshops.
The theme is Link, Learn and Transform.