Nominations open for 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year Awards

Farmers and young agri-preneurs across the Caribbean are being encouraged to step into the spotlight as nominations officially open for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year Award and the Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year Award.

The awards recognise the outstanding contributions of farmers and agricultural enterprises that are helping to strengthen food security, boost food production and advance food sovereignty across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

According to the CARICOM Secretariat, nominations must be submitted through the Ministries of Agriculture in CARICOM Member States and Associate Members by the end of June. The selection process will begin in July.

Nominees are required to submit a brief biography outlining the type and volume of produce generated by their operations, along with a two-minute video showcasing their farm, production activities and use of technology.

The Farmer of the Year Award was introduced in 2021 during the 16th Caribbean Week of Agriculture as part of efforts to raise the profile of Caribbean farmers and promote agriculture as an attractive and profitable investment sector.

Beyond production, the award recognises farmers who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and a strong commitment to advancing agriculture while helping to build resilience within the region’s food systems.

Since its inception, the award has been presented to several standout agricultural leaders. Dominica’s Deles Warrington became the inaugural recipient in 2021. Subsequent winners included Jamaica’s Peter McConnell on behalf of Trade Winds Citrus Limited in 2023, Alicia Bogues representing Caribbean Broilers Jamaica Group in 2024, and Dave Fairman of The Best Dressed Chicken, a division of Jamaica Broilers Group, in 2025.

The Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year Award focuses on recognising the next generation of agricultural leaders. It celebrates young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated that agriculture can be both innovative and financially successful while applying sound business practices to create sustainable farming operations.

CARICOM officials say the award is intended to encourage more young people to view agriculture as a viable career and business opportunity, helping to transform perceptions of the sector across the region.

Jamaica’s Citerina Atkins was the first recipient of the Young Farmer of the Year Award in 2021, followed by fellow Jamaican Diandra Rowe in 2023, Kevorn Vidal of Dominica in 2024, and Michael Joseph of Antigua and Barbuda in 2025.

The winners of the 2026 awards will be announced and honoured during the opening ceremony of the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, scheduled for September 27 in Jamaica.

For farmers across the region, the awards offer not only recognition but also an opportunity to showcase how Caribbean agriculture is evolving through innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.