The role of Caribbean agrifood entrepreneurs and SMEs in promoting circular economy

During the IICA-COLEAD Caribbean Agrifood Business Session n°11, on Thursday 16 November 2023 – 14:00-16:00 UTC / 10:00-12:00 AST – inspiring Caribbean agrifood entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will present how their business models promote circular economy. Register here to join the session: https://shorturl.at/eqFMR

The session will be held online (Zoom) and have live interpretation in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. The programme is available is all these languages by clicking on the links below:

• • • English
    • French
    • Spanish
    • Portuguese

As a system that aims to reduce waste and environmental impact by reusing, recycling, and regenerating resources and products, a circular economy can offer many benefits for the agri-food sector. It encourages minimizing waste and optimizing the use of resources, including water, soil, and energy; using the full potential of products and by-products which in turn translates into value addition and diversification of offerings; and recovering and recycling waste and by-products to create new products or energy.

Entrepreneurs and SMEs can play a key role in promoting a circular economy in the agri-food sector by developing innovative solutions that address the specific needs and problems of the industry. For example, some entrepreneurs and SMEs have successfully created circular business models that valorize food waste and by-products into new products or services, such as animal feed, bioenergy, bioplastics, or fertilizers. Others have developed circular technologies that improve the quality and shelf life of food products, such as smart packaging, sensors, or blockchain. Moreover, some entrepreneurs and SMEs have fostered circular practices that reduce the environmental impact of food production and consumption, such as organic farming, local sourcing, or plant-based diets.

However, entrepreneurs and SMEs face several challenges when transitioning toward circular economy. Among the obstacles are the lack of knowledge and access to finance, regulatory and compliance issues, as well as consumer behavior. On Thursday 16 November 2023, innovative and resilient entrepreneurs and agrifood stakeholders will present how they have seized the potential of circular economy to create jobs, add value and support economic growth, while reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and mitigating environmental impacts of the agrifood system. Be part of this experience sharing by registering here.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.