The flow of agricultural goods within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is being hindered by the non-operationalization of CAHFSA--the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency. The primary goal of CAHFSA is to assist CARICOM Member States to coordinate and strengthen their infrastructure and institutional and human resource capacity to effectively deliver agricultural goods that meet international agricultural health and food safety standards, measures and guidelines in order to safeguard human health and to prevent the introduction, or minimize the incidence of transmission, of agricultural pests across national borders.The aim of the present initiative is to strengthen CAHFSA by sharing Chile's vast experience with institutions that coordinate food safety as well as animal and plant health, especially considering Chile's strengths in management and technical capacities. Chile will also provide technical assistance in regards to fisheries and forestry.By strengthening CAHFSA, the initiative aims to improve opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs by helping them meet the basic health and food standards of their products, which are required for inter- and intra-regional trade. It will also contribute to reduce losses from pests and diseases, increasing productivity and thus making the farmers more competitive.

This will be a trilateral technical assistance project developed and validated by AGCI, FAO, and CARICOM. It will be implemented through the following mechanisms:- Short-term internships coordinated by AGCI and FAO - Visits by CAHFSA experts to Chile, with return visits by Chilean experts from SAG and ACHIPIA

Please see above

The specific coordination mechanisms for this partnership have yet to be determined. Coordination with CARICOM Secretariat in order to guarantee the sustainability of the project's results will be key, as well as continuous dialogue with the appointed CAHFSA CEO and the CAHFSA Board Members.

Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat Chilean Food Safety and Quality Agency (ACHIPIA) Agricultural and Livestock Service of Chile (SAG) Chilean International Cooperation Agency (AGCI)