Conclusions

Agribusiness alliances in support of local and sustainable food in the ACP

European Development Days, 16 June 2016, 13h00-14h15

1. Important to strengthen intra-regional links to supply fresh/healthy food for Caribbean citizens;

2. High-value added chains are important to promote sustainable development;

3. Mechanism to link local farmers in the Caribbean with international hotel chains is essential (consistency and quality important to achieve this). Co-branding is an important tool to achieve this;

4. Share experiences with other developing countries especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is of the outmost importance;

5. Certifications such as organic promote competiveness and protect the environment of the Caribbean Islands. The same have to be done at a regional basis when possible using local experts;

6. Certifications have to be affordable for small farmers

7. Need to promote contacts and value added chains at all levels (small, medium and big) in the region;

8. Distribution issues affect the capacity of SMEs to supply the tourism sector in the Caribbean;

9. Strategic public-partners and support organizations are essential to promote competitiveness of the ACP private sector;

10. Chef Stefan likes food and we can see it;

11. A great quantity of the food sold in Caribbean restaurants and supermarkets are imported (quantity, consistency price…)

12. Caribbean food professionals paly an important role in promoting local produces;

13. There is a demand from tourists and nationals for authentic local and/or regional food; and

14. “Culture” is and important art of promoting authentic national/regional products.

Thank You, Merci, Mèsi, Dank U, Gracias