Belizean Farmers Invited to Compete for 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year Awards

Belizean farmers are being encouraged to showcase their achievements on the regional stage as nominations officially open for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year Awards.  As a member of the Caribbean Community, Belize is eligible to participate in both prestigious awards programs, which recognize outstanding farmers and agri-business operators from across the region for their contributions to food security, innovation, and agricultural development.  The awards were first introduced in 2021 during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture and have since become one of CARICOM’s premier platforms for highlighting excellence in farming and agribusiness. Organizers say the initiative is designed not only to celebrate success stories but also to promote agriculture as a viable and profitable sector capable of attracting greater investment and participation.  Farmers interested in being considered for the awards must submit their nominations through Belize’s Ministry of Agriculture by the end of June. The CARICOM Farmer of the Year Award recognizes individuals or farming enterprises that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and resilience while contributing significantly to regional food production and food sovereignty. Past recipients have included winners from Jamaica, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda.  The 2026 award recipients will be announced during the opening ceremony of the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, scheduled for September 27 in Jamaica./