1. What is the aim of the Forum?

The Forum aims to promote agri business as an area for good investment and to facilitate matchmaking between potential investors and agriculture entrepreneurs/promoters.

2. Who is the Forum Targeting?

• Private investors in and outside of the region seeking new, profitable ventures • Fund Managers and Venture Capitalists seeking to diversify their portfolios • Bankers who have clients operating in the sector • Companies seeking strategic alliances with other business

3. If I have the capital to invest, why should I choose agriculture?

The business of agriculture in all areas is being rapidly transformed globally and in the region. • Production technology is more efficient • Global demand and prices have jumped significantly • Distribution systems are changing to meet this new demand. • In the Caribbean, agriculture is increasingly being viewed as a modern, profitable industry that is vital to the region’s future growth.

4. Now is a good time to Invest in Agri Business in the Region?

An excellent time! The global and regional market for agricultural commodities, and particularly for certain high-value primary and processed products is rising rapidly and this is not likely to change soon.

5. As a Banker I receive requests from agri business entrepreneurs. How will I know what the sustainable, high value segments are?

The Forum will be providing sound foresight data on those specific segments where Caribbean Producers can be profitable and are doing well.

6. We have noticed recent instances of scarcity and rapidly rising costs as the demand for food increases. Will a wave of new investments make food items more available to the region’s people?

Yes, of course. This is a matter of particular concern to governments. Prices in the Caribbean can only stabilize with increased production and productivity.

7. How relevant is last year’s Regional Donor’s Conference to the Forum?

The funding commitments made at the conference last year will give governments and regional executing agencies the means and the confidence to move rapidly to remove those constraints that are of particular concern to the private sector.

AGRI BUSINESS IS GOOD BUSINESS