information information + knowledge + partnerships = positive practical actions and positive results! Over the years, marketing agencies and produce boards promoting a wider appreciation of information and knowledge management for agricultural development generally and specifically, support for the IICA/CTA MEAgrISys project. in the Caribbean participate in international trade fairs to promote Caribbean fresh and processed agricultural products. This has made the Caribbean brand synonymous with flavour and taste, and Caribbean food products are in high demand. These trade shows are also meant to stimulate business by putting buyers in direct contact with suppliers. However, when buyers place their orders, oftentimes, by the container-load, oftentimes we find that our suppliers are only able to manage one or two shipments. There is just not enough supply! Our production cannot keep up with both local and international demands. produce samples'. We have been called 'nations that #7 of 2008 a collaborative effort of: Naitram Ramnanan CaRAPN member and: Diana Francis Trade Policies and Negotiations Programme IICA Caribbean Region We are failing to capitalize on the Caribbean label. Our competitors appear to be better at producing to fill the market, consistently, than we are. For example, Costa Rica has developed a significant business and trade in organic banana grown in their "Caribbean" coast, which conditions similar to CARCIOM Caribbean countries. Information has played an important role in defining market opportunities and translating that information to the farmers, in terms of tech packs, packaging and distribution. They have built a new value chain around bananas, focusing on organic baby foods and organic vinegar. Many CARICOM countries have acres and acres of bananas, and while the Fair enabled by: Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA –ACP) Trade label has grown significantly from when it started, bananas are still being traded in its original form - as fresh bananas. Agriculture in CARICOM has yet to tap into the immense potential that exists for fresh, processed and other non-food products and services. On the fresh produce, there is a rich history and traditional knowledge in root crops that has remained relatively under-developed. Hot peppers and pumpkin cannot satisfy The Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the CTA and IICA international demand; demand for tropical fruits, vegetables and flowers is growing, but CARICOM producers fail to consistently supply a range of tropical fruits and vegetables to export markets. Processors also complain that sourcing local/regional raw material is uncompetitive and unreliable.
