INTRODUCTION TO CWA 2026
The 20th edition of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) will be held in Jamaica from September 27 to October 2, 2026.
The CWA provides a vital platform through which agriculture and rural life are placed at the forefront of regional integration efforts, enabling key decision makers in the public and private sectors to reaffirm the importance of agriculture and rural life to the economic, social and environmental stability of the Caribbean region. It also affords major stakeholders in agriculture and related sectors the opportunity to dialogue and forge a common vision for repositioning agriculture and enhancing rural life.
Convened under the theme: “The New F.A.C.E. of Caribbean Food Systems”, this year’s edition is anchored in four critical pillars, namely: Food Security, Agri-Business, Climate Smart Technologies and Export Expansion, which drive resilience, strengthen national food systems and increase outputs for regional and international markets.
VENUE AND ACCOMODATION
- Venue
- CWA 2026 will be held at the Ocean Coral Springs Resort in Coral Springs, Trelawny, Jamaica.
- Accommodation
- Participants are strongly encouraged to make arrangements for accommodations at the Ocean Coral Springs Resort through Unlimited Connections, Management, Travel & Consultancy Limited. A link is provided on the CWA 2026 website for participants to make those arrangements.
- Participants are reminded that as a consequence of the passage of Hurricane Melissa, most other resorts in close proximity remain closed.
- Additionally, participants who choose to stay elsewhere should note that a Day Pass of approximately US$100 will be required to access the Ocean Coral Springs Resort for each day of attendance
- Participants who choose to utilise the Day Pass option are required to contact Unlimited Connections to purchase at the negotiated rate.
- Connectivity
- High-speed Wi-Fi is available for all participants at the venue.
INFORMATION ON TRANSPORTATION FOR VIPs (HEADS OF STATE, MINISTERS, HEADS OF DELEGATION) AND PARTICIPANTS IN THE 2026 CWA
- Airports in Jamaica
- Jamaica has two (2) major international airports.
- The airport closest to the venue is the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, which is approximately thirty (30) minutes from the Ocean Coral Springs Resort.
- It is strongly recommended that participants arrive at the Donald Sangster International Airport.
- Alternatively, the Norman Manley International Airport, situated in Kingston, is approximately three (3) hours from the venue.
- All visitors are required to complete and submit a Customs Declaration (C5) form ahead of arrival to Jamaica
- Ground transportation
- Ground transportation will be provided from the Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport to the venue for delegates. Delegates are requested to submit flight itineraries as soon as possible to facilitate these arrangements.
- Hourly round trip shuttle services will be provided from the Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport for all participants.
- Round trip shuttle services will be made available by Ocean Coral Spring Resort between the venue and the Sangster International Airport for participants who will stay for 3 nights or more.
- Participants may also utilize approved private taxi charters at a one-way rate of approximately US$25 from the Sangster International Airport to the venue
- Arrival of Ministers and Heads of Delegations
- Ministers and Heads of Delegations transferred from the Sangster International Airport and the Norman Manley International Airport to the venue.
- Delegation coordinators are required to submit the flight details of their respective Ministers and Heads of Delegations in the e-registration portal on the CWA 2026 website.
INFORMATION CONCERNING SECURITY
Security Arrangements
Jamaica assigns the highest priority to matters relating to the security of delegations and participants in CWA 2026.
Jamaica’s integrated security plan will be managed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defense Force, incorporating the existing security arrangements at the venue.
The CWA security plan will cover the venue, as well as border entry points, airports, and routes used for official transportation.
Security Details for Ministers and Heads of Delegations
Ministers and Heads of Delegation attending CWA 2026 will be provided with security and protocol details.
If Ministers and Heads of Delegations attending CWA 2026 have their own security arrangements, such details will work in close cooperation with the security personnel assigned to them.
Transportation
Security and traffic-flow arrangements will be made to ensure that delegates and VIPs can easily traverse between the airport and venue.
Contingency and Emergency Response
Procedures have been established and will be operationalized in the event of a health or security emergency.
Firearms Clearance
Delegates traveling with firearms should observe established protocols outlined by the Jamaica Customs Agency and the Ministry of National Security.
EXHIBITORS
Registration
Participants, Delegates and Exhibitors are required to register via the Portals on the CWA 2026 website.
Entry of Goods and Equipment to Jamaica
Exhibitors are required to submit in advance of arrival, the description, quantity and value of goods that will be utilized during exhibition.
Timely submission of this information is necessary to ensure waivers for customs fees and duties.
Transportation and Entry of Goods and Equipment to the Venue
Exhibitors are required to indicate if special transportation is required for goods and equipment.
Exhibitors are also required to indicate if special arrangements are required for the storage of goods and equipment.
MISCELLANEOUS
Currency
The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD).
Payments
Merchants widely accept payments in cash denominated in Jamaican Dollars (JMD), United States Dollars (USD), Canadian Dollars (CAD) and United Kingdom Pound Sterling.
Merchants also widely accept payments via Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards.
Banking and Exchange Rate
Participants can consult the website of Jamaica’s Central Bank (Bank of Jamaica) for the daily rate for all major currencies.
Cambio services are available in the Jamaica’s major international airports to facilitate currency exchanges.
The official work week for banks in Jamaica is Monday to Friday. Banks are normally open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
All banks also facilitate currency exchanges in branch, while some banks provide dual currency ATMs which dispense United States Dollars (USD).
Electricity
Jamaica has 2 associated outlet (plug) types: type A and type B.
Type B is the most commonly used, allowing two flat, parallel pins and one rounded pin.
The standard voltage in Jamaica is 110V/220V at a frequency of 50Hz.