Sandra Ferguson has been celebrated as one of the 2025 Leaders of Rurality of the Americas by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Grenada. This prestigious accolade acknowledges her decades of transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing rural development in Grenada. The award was formally presented by Gregory Delsol, Technical Specialist at IICA Grenada, during a ceremony held at the IICA Grenada Office on October 21, 2025, on behalf of IICA’s Director General Dr. Manuel Otero and Representative Gregg Rawlins. Delsol praised Ferguson for her exceptional service to rural communities, both individually and through her leadership of the Agency for Rural Transformation (ART). The Leaders of Rurality of the Americas Award, established in 2020, honors individuals whose innovation and dedication have significantly improved rural livelihoods, strengthened food security, and promoted sustainability across the Americas. Ferguson’s nomination recognizes her over 30 years of visionary work with ART, where she spearheaded initiatives that expanded access to credit, enhanced technical support for farmers, and empowered women and youth in rural areas. Her advocacy has also driven national movements like “Grow What You Eat, Eat What You Grow” and “Eat Local. Eat Healthy,” fostering food sovereignty and nutrition awareness in Grenada. In her acceptance speech, Ferguson credited ART and its partners for the success of these initiatives, highlighting impactful projects such as the revitalization of Grenada’s beekeeping sector and community-based food security programs. Delsol expressed gratitude to IICA headquarters for endorsing the nomination and lauded Ferguson’s lifelong dedication to sustainable agricultural and rural development. Her recognition as a Leader of Rurality of the Americas underscores her commitment to building resilient communities and inspiring a more inclusive and sustainable future for Grenada and the Caribbean. Since its inception, the award has honored numerous individuals across Latin America and the Caribbean whose stories embody hope, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of rural life.
