BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Caribbean agriculture ministers have discussed plans for advancing a capital-first approach to food systems transformation, positioning the sector as a viable and strategic asset class for investment across the region.

The one-day high-level Food Systems Investment Forum on Tuesday, organised by the United Nations Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, was held under the theme “Mobilising Equity Capital for Resilient Food Systems in the Caribbean” and was attended by senior representatives from across the Caribbean, international financial institutions, private investors, and development partners.

A statement issued following the event said the United Nations (UN) launched an official “Deal Book” that highlights US$320 million in investment-ready opportunities across the region’s food systems. It said that this product is designed to continue the deal-making commenced during the forum and to catalyse partnerships between investors and enterprises.