CWA 2026 Forum: Unlocking the Potential of the Caribbean Roots and Tubers Industry

As part of Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2026, CARDI – in partnership with Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining, the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica Ltd, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) – invites stakeholders to a high-level forum on regional root and tuber production.

Root crops are vital to Caribbean food security and rural livelihoods. This forum will bring together researchers, extension personnel, and industry representatives to examine commercial prospects, disease management, and yield trials.

Session Schedule:
Date: Monday, 28 September 2026
Venue: Conference Room 2, Ocean Coral Spring Hotel, Trelawny, Jamaica

• 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM: Panel Discussion: Business Opportunities from the Cultivation of Sweet Potatoes
• 11:20 AM – 12:10 PM: Quality Planting Material & Productivity Trials (Potatoes) featuring CASE, CARDI, Caribbean Chemicals, and MoAFM
• 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM: Pest and Disease Management in Sweet Potato (IICA & MoAFM)
• 12:50 PM – 2:00 PM: Open Q&A followed by Lunch Break
• 2:00 PM – 2:55 PM: Quality Planting Material & Productivity Trials for Yam, Cassava, and Dasheen (CASE, MoAFM, CARDI)
• 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Pests & Disease Management in Yam (MoAFM, CARDI, IICA)
• 3:35 PM – 4:05 PM: Closing Panel Discussion: Value Addition Opportunities for Roots & Tubers