The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), has initiated a groundbreaking Mobile Seed Bank Project aimed at bolstering disaster resilience and food security across the Caribbean. This initiative, part of the Regional Disaster Response Roadmap, seeks to establish a robust, sustainable seed supply system capable of addressing critical shortages of high-quality seeds following natural disasters such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Funded by IICA, the project also aims to create a regional seed reserve to ensure farmers have access to quality planting materials during both disaster and non-disaster periods. The initiative emphasizes the conservation of traditional heirloom seed varieties and reduces dependency on costly imported seeds. Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Belize have been designated as regional hubs for seed production, storage, and distribution. The project integrates innovative technologies, including agricultural drones for farmland mapping and utility vehicles for seed collection and farmer outreach. Dr. Curt Delice, IICA’s Special Affairs Coordinator for the Caribbean, highlighted the project’s dual focus on immediate disaster recovery and long-term agricultural rehabilitation. Junior Greene of CARDI underscored the proactive nature of the initiative, which aims to produce and distribute climate-resilient seed varieties. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the strategic importance of the Mobile Seed Bank in building a resilient, climate-smart agricultural sector, stating that a resilient seed system is essential for sovereignty, stability, and survival. The project includes training sessions on seed management and climate-smart agriculture, alongside consultations with regional Ministries of Agriculture to establish protocols for cross-border seed movement.
