Cayman Islands Premier helps open Ag conference

 GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin helped open the 14^th Caribbean Week of Agriculture Wednesday morning, welcoming dignitaries and delegates from more than 40 countries to the Cayman Islands.

The conference, with the theme “Investing in Food and Agriculture,” got under way on Monday and runs through Friday, 28 October, 2016.

Tonight the Premier will welcome visitors to the Caribbean Week of Agriculture MarketPlace at the Arc at Camana Bay where vendors, businesses and the public will have an opportunity to network for the next two days.

MarketPlace is a result of the partnership between the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, Department of Agriculture and Department of Tourism.

On Wednesday morning Mr. McLaughlin told those in attendance that farming was a way of life in the Cayman Islands in the early years, but eventually gave way to the industries of tourism and financial services.

Recently, though, agriculture has been making a comeback with both businesses and residents embracing locally grown produce.

Local food production has grown in popularity because of the diverse cultures that call Cayman home as well as the growing slow food movement.

He praised Agriculture Minister Kurt Tibbetts for keeping agriculture in the forefront of the minds of those who live, work and play in the Cayman Islands.

On Tuesday Mr. McLaughlin hosted Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Community Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on a tour of farms, including his own farm in East End.

The conference continues with meetings, workshops and interactive sessions.