Regional Support Follows Haiti’s Call at CELAC Summit
During the opening of the CELAC Agriculture Ministers Summit held in Bogotá on June 16, 2025, Haiti’s Minister of Agriculture, Vernet Joseph, delivered a powerful address emphasizing Haiti’s vision of food sovereignty and the urgent need for regional cooperation in tackling the country’s agricultural challenges.
His remarks prompted an immediate response. The very next day, June 17, Colombia’s Minister of Agriculture, Martha Carvajalino Villegas, convened an emergency high-level meeting. Present at the session were ministers and vice-ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Haiti, who collectively reviewed the critical concerns and proposals raised by Minister Joseph.
A Unified Commitment to Combat Food Insecurity in Haiti
The meeting concluded with a strong show of support for Haiti. Colombia reaffirmed its commitment to addressing food insecurity in Haiti through sustainable and collaborative efforts, aligned with the Haitian government’s national development agenda.
Discussions focused on developing inclusive and productive agricultural policies—particularly those that enhance small-scale family farming, create jobs, stimulate local markets, and open access to niche international markets.
Roadmap for a Multinational Agricultural Alliance
Participants agreed to work toward a dynamic technical partnership that will advance strategic goals in Haiti’s agriculture sector. A four-nation action plan is now in development and will be linked with the existing Colombia-Haiti bilateral agreement signed earlier in January 2025.
In line with this collaboration, a joint delegation from Brazil, Colombia, and Cuba is scheduled to visit Port-au-Prince in the coming weeks. Their mission: to fine-tune the strategic roadmap and launch the first phase of implementation aimed at creating lasting improvements in Haiti’s agricultural productivity and food sovereignty.
The Haitian Tribune will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this vital international partnership.
