Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency

🌍 Strengthening Food Safety Across the Caribbean
CAHFSA, in collaboration with COLEAD, successfully hosted two impactful capacity-building sessions in March:

✅ GHP & HACCP Refresher Training (March 17, 2026) – 100 participants
✅ FDA Traceability Awareness Webinar (March 24, 2026) – 160 participants

These sessions are part of ongoing efforts under the Caribbean Task Force on Food Safety (CTFS) to strengthen food safety systems across the region.

Participants explored:
✔️ Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) & HACCP principles
✔️ Preventive food safety systems
✔️ FDA Food Traceability Rule (FSMA 204)
✔️ Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) & Key Data Elements (KDEs)

📢 Missed the GHP & HACCP session? A repeat training will be held on April 17, 2026:
🔗 https://forms.gle/qU1FW5nEJ2SM4wAA6

📢 Next session: AMR Awareness – April 24, 2026
🔗 https://forms.gle/z4CjvUx9XL6Fftw56

🤝 Bringing together regulators, food businesses, and technical professionals, these sessions continue to build a stronger, safer Caribbean food system.

# COLEAD Bun Skrati

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Session: Strengthening Awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Systems You are cordially invited to attend an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Session designed to provide critical insights into traceability requirements under U.S. food safety regulations. Date: April 21, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Eastern Caribbean Time)

From March 16–18, 2026, cacao farmers and stakeholders participated in a comprehensive Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training hosted at CELOS and in Saramacca under the “No Bean Left Behind” project.

This initiative, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, brought together partners including Tan Bun Skrati NV and CELOS to strengthen sustainable cacao production.

Participants gained valuable knowledge in:
✔️ Farm setup and GAP-based management
✔️ Agroforestry systems & soil health
✔️ Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
✔️ Harvest and post-harvest practices

CAHFSA attended the first day of the training as observers, where Mrs. Janelle Yarde-Blackman, the Food Safety Specialist, provided technical guidance and recommendations to the GAP trainer, supporting alignment with food safety considerations and best practices.

The training combined theory with hands-on field experience, empowering farmers to improve productivity, sustainability, and market readiness. 🌿🍫

🤝 A strong example of collaboration driving impact in Suriname’s agricultural sector.

🔗 Read more: https://cahfsa.org/strengthening-cacao-production-through-gap-training-at-celos/

# COLEAD Bun Skrati

Strengthening Cacao Production through GAP Training at CELOS From March 16–18, 2026, a comprehensive Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training for cacao producers was successfully conducted at the Centre for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS) and in Saramacca, […]

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮'𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁

Grenada holds a unique position in global agricultural trade as the only country in the world authorized to export fresh, non-irradiated soursop to the United States. This vital industry supports over 2,600 farmers and contributes an estimated USD 2.6 million annually to the national economy.

To protect this vital sector the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands & Forestry in Grenada, and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) implemented the "Enhancing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Capacity and Market Access for Grenadian Soursop Exports" project.

As part of this initiative, a three-day capacity-building workshop on Risks and Anticipatory Frameworks for the Soursop Industry was held at the National Stadium in Grenada from February 9 to 11, 2026, facilitated in partnership with the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).

Through CAHFSA's technical expertise, the workshop successfully equipped 31 local experts with knowledge in plant health surveillance, early pest detection, risk management, and emergency response planning all aimed at protecting the soursop value chain from farm to export market, and reinforcing CAHFSA's commitment to safeguarding agricultural health and food safety across the Caribbean.

For more information, visit FAO website: https://www.fao.org/americas/news/news-detail/soursop-valued-economy/en

A new regional initiative to strengthen agricultural trade in the Caribbean has officially begun.

CAHFSA has launched the first phase of the 𝗖𝗗𝗕-𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 “𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮-𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 (𝗚𝗔𝟮𝟯𝟵/𝗥𝗘𝗚)”, aimed at developing 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 (𝗦𝗣𝗦) 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 for priority agricultural commodities.

The project, implemented in partnership with 𝗖𝗔𝗕 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 (𝗖𝗔𝗕𝗜) and regional institutions including the 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺 (𝗖𝗥𝗙𝗠), will support the development of harmonised standards to facilitate safer and more efficient agricultural trade across CARICOM.

The work will involve consultations with national plant health, veterinary and food safety authorities throughout the Region, contributing to the 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟱 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 to increase regional food production and trade.

For more information, visit: https://cahfsa.org/caribbean-initiative-to-strengthen-regional-agricultural-trade-framework/

CAHFSA at CPM-20

Juliet Goldsmith , Plant Health Specialist at CAHFSA, delivered critical insights from the Caribbean on the Science Session: “Fostering Plant Health for Safe Provision of Food and Humanitarian Aid” at CPM-20.

These insights were related to supporting Member States in strengthening plant health systems, advancing regional coordination, maintaining market access through effective implementation of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).

CAHFSA remains committed to our role as Regional Plant Protection Organization for the CARICOM: Caribbean Community.



IPPC | International Plant Protection Convention

Strengthening traceability is becoming essential for Caribbean food exports.

As international food safety regulations evolve, Caribbean agribusinesses must ensure that their traceability systems meet the requirements of key export markets, including the United States. The U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Traceability Rule introduces new expectations for record-keeping, product tracking, and supply chain transparency.

To support regional preparedness, CAHFSA, in collaboration with COLEAD.link, will host an FDA Traceability Awareness Session aimed at helping Caribbean producers, processors, exporters, and food safety professionals better understand the implications of these requirements.

The session will provide practical guidance on:
• Understanding the FDA traceability rule
• Key data elements and record-keeping requirements
• Strengthening internal traceability systems
• Preparing Caribbean agribusinesses for continued access to international markets

🗓 Date: March 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Eastern Caribbean Time)
🎤 Speaker: Marie-Hélène Kestemont, SPS Expert – COLEAD & Dr. Martin van Brakel, European policy and regulations Expert - COLEAD

This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety systems, enhance regulatory compliance, and support market access for Caribbean agri-food products.

As global supply chains demand greater transparency, traceability is no longer optional — it is a cornerstone of food safety, consumer confidence, and international trade.

🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dxx7Qabf

How prepared are Caribbean exporters for the evolving traceability requirements in global markets?

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Systems

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global challenge that affects food safety, public health, animal health, and international trade. To support greater awareness and responsible practices across the agri-food sector, COLEAD.link in collaboration with CAHFSA will host an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Session.

This session will provide valuable insights into AMR risks in food production systems and highlight the role of agribusinesses, regulators, and food system stakeholders in mitigating these risks.

📅 Date: April 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Eastern Caribbean Time)
🎤 Speaker: Ms. Ingrid Morvan, EU Policy & Food Safety Regulatory Expert – COLEAD

Participants will gain insights on:
• The global implications of antimicrobial resistance
• AMR risks within food production systems
• Responsible antimicrobial use
• International standards and regulatory expectations
• Strengthening preventive controls in the food sector

🔗 Go to the website to Register: https://lnkd.in/daNbmpMg

Promote responsible practices. Protect public health. Strengthen food systems.

Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

The ninety-fourth formal meeting of the Committee on Phytosanitary Measures will be held from 11-13 March 2026, in person and via Zoom or Interprefy | Geneva, Switzerland

The Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Committee) is a World Trade Organization (World Trade Organization - WTO) body. The SPS Committee oversees the implementation of the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and provides a forum for members to raise and address related questions and concerns.

The SPS Agreement allows WTO members to set their own standards on food safety and animal and plant health. However, these standards must be based on science, applied only to the extent necessary to protect human, animal or plant life or health, and not arbitrarily or unjustifiably discriminate between countries where identical or similar conditions prevail.

As signatories to the World Trade Organization, CARICOM: Caribbean Community Member States are expected to harmonize national and regional SPS standards operating at the international level with respect to agricultural trade, and CAHFSA is mandated to perform a coordinating and organizing role for the establishment of an effective and efficient regional sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regime.

🌎 Caribbean exporters – are you ready for FDA traceability requirements?

Join our FDA Traceability Awareness Session organized by COLEAD in collaboration with CAHFSA to learn how the FSMA traceability rule impacts Caribbean agribusinesses exporting to the U.S. market.

FDA Traceability Awareness Session
📅 March 24, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (ECT)

Learn about key traceability requirements, record-keeping expectations, and practical steps to strengthen your export readiness.
🔗 Go to the website to Register: https://cahfsa.org/training-announcement-fda-traceability-awareness-session/

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay competitive.

TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT: FDA Traceability Awareness Session Happy International Women’s Day!March 6, 2026 March 9, 2026 Preparing Caribbean Agribusinesses for U.S. Market Compliance You are cordially invited to attend an FDA Traceability Awareness Session designed to provide critical insights into traceability requirements under U.S. food safety regulation...

In recognition of International Women’s Day, the Secretariat of the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) proudly recognizes and celebrates the remarkable women who contribute to strengthening animal health, food safety, and agricultural resilience across the CARICOM region.

Women serve as veterinarians, scientists, policymakers, crop protection specialists, farmers, laboratory specialists, food safety experts and public health professionals whose expertise and dedication are essential to protecting our region’s food systems and advancing the One Health agenda. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to shape stronger institutions and healthier communities throughout the Caribbean.

Today we honor the achievements of women across our Member States and reaffirm our commitment to supporting gender equity, professional advancement, and inclusive leadership in agricultural health and food safety.

CAHFSA celebrates the women who lead, inspire, and safeguard the wellbeing of our people, animals, and environment.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) Secretariat

🚨 Join Our AMR Awareness Session!
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern for food safety, public health, and international trade.
COLEAD and CAHFSA invite you to an AMR Awareness Session to learn how responsible antimicrobial use can strengthen safer food systems.
📅 April 21, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (ECT)
Learn about:
✔ AMR risks in food production
✔ Responsible antimicrobial practices
✔ International standards and compliance
🔗 Go to the website to Register: https://cahfsa.org/training-announcement-antimicrobial-resistance-amr-awareness-session/

📢 GHP & HACCP Refresher Training
Want to strengthen your food safety systems and stay compliant with export market requirements?
Join our GHP & HACCP Refresher Training, hosted by COLEAD in collaboration with CAHFSA.
📅 March 17, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ECT)
This training will cover:
✔ Good Hygiene Practices (GHP)
✔ The 7 HACCP principles
✔ Compliance strategies for food businesses
🔗 Go to the website to Register: https://cahfsa.org/training-announcement-ghp-haccp-refresher-training/

TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT: GHP & HACCP Refresher Training UPCOMING CPA WEBINAR: PROTECT YOUR FLOCKMarch 2, 2026TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness SessionMarch 5, 2026 March 5, 2026 Strengthening Food Safety. Reinforcing Compliance. Driving Excellence.You are cordially invited to participate in a GHP & HACCP Refresher Training d...