L–R: Conference Chair and Coordinator of the MSc Agro-Technology and Business programme at the University of Guyana, Dr Donna Morrison; President of the Caribbean Agro-Economic Society, Dr Govind Seepersad; and Programme Manager for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development at CARICOM, Mr Shaun Baugh

The University of Guyana’s Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, in collaboration with the Caribbean Agro-Economic Society (CAAES) and the Ministry of Agriculture, is all set to host the  35th West Indies Caribbean Agriculture Economic Society Conference from  July 21–25, 2025, at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus.

The conference, which is being held under the theme:  “Drivers for Agricultural and Economic Development,” is expected to attract local, regional, and international participants to engage in robust discussions on key issues on the regional agriculture agenda such as agricultural innovation, climate resilience, food security, and economic transformation among others.  

Over the course of the five-day event, presentations and panel discussions will explore key sub-themes including Guyana’s Agriculture; Food and Nutrition; Transportation and Infrastructure; Tourism and the Environment; The Blue Economy; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and Agricultural Trade. These areas reflect the region’s priority for sustainable development and economic resilience.

Conference Chair,  Dr Donna Morrison, noted that this year’s event is particularly significant, given Guyana’s rising leadership in food production and agro-processing within the CARICOM region.  “The conference offers an opportunity to showcase Guyana’s advancements in agriculture and attract investments, positioning the country as a model for innovation in the Caribbean,” she said.

Dr Morrison also emphasised the importance of the conference as a platform for building partnerships.  “Participants will have the opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest, share research findings, and contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural and economic strategies across the region,” she said.

President of the CAAES, Dr Govind Seepersad, described the 2025 conference as a pivotal moment for the region, noting that the event is,  “poised to redefine the future of food production in the Caribbean amidst urgent threats and unprecedented opportunities.”  

Dr Seepersad explained that the region is grappling with mounting challenges such as climate change, unpredictable weather, and disruptions to global supply chains that directly impact food systems.  “Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality. More intense droughts, rainfall shifts, and extreme weather events are devastating our crops and infrastructure. This, combined with global trade uncertainties, is placing Caribbean food security at serious risk,” Dr Seepersad pointed out.  

Programme Manager for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development at CARICOM, Mr. Shaun Baugh said: “ The conference is timely and pivotal to the CARICOM Region as we build on the gains of the first phase of the 25 by 2025 food security initiative. It will lend expert support and strategic partnership as we move into the new 25 by 2025+5 regional food security initiative."

The Opening Ceremony will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 9:30 hrs in the Main Lecture Theatre, College of Medical Sciences at the UG’s Turkeyen Campus. It will also be livestreamed here: https://zoom.us/j/93111003617?pwd=kNwbkKBxKiLP27NMPFhepRbUUc2Oid.1#succ…

Among those expected to deliver remarks at the Opening Ceremony are, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin; President of the Caribbean Agro-Economic Society, Dr Govind Seepersad; Programme Manager for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development at CARICOM, Mr. Shaun Baugh; and Advisor-CARICOM Agri-Food System, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Richard Blair. The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to declare the conference open.  

Now in its 35th iteration, the West Indies Agricultural Economics Conference remains a vital platform for shaping regional policy, advancing research, and strengthening collaboration across agriculture, trade, and economic development.

The conference is being hosted with support from the University of Guyana, Ministry of Agriculture, National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI),  Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Insurance Brokers Guyana Limited (IGBL), The  University of the West Indies (UWI), the Guyana Rice Producer’s Board, the Guyana Ministry of Tourism and Business  

The Ministry of Agriculture’s endorsement reflects its recognition of the importance and timeliness of the conference, particularly as the region addresses issues such as food security, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation. Several local, regional, and international participants are scheduled to present papers at the conference.

To register or learn more about the 35th CAAES Conference, please visit

https://www.caaestt.org/35th-west-indies-agricultural-economics-confere…