New CAO Brings Regional Experience & Fresh Energy

Barbados’ new Chief Agricultural Officer (CAO), Paul Lucas, is bringing more than 20 years of experience, regional exposure and a clear commitment to strengthening food and nutritional security to the agricultural sector.

At just 39 years old, Mr. Lucas assumes the post with a strong belief that agriculture remains central to Barbados’ identity, health, livelihoods and national development.

The Chief Agricultural Officer has worked in Barbados and across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat and the Cayman Islands. He said that experience gave him a wider understanding of the challenges facing Caribbean agriculture and the importance of practical, collaborative solutions.

He shared that his interest in agriculture began with his love for science during his secondary school years and later led him to pursue studies in agriculture, environmental and natural resource management.

Acknowledging the responsibility that comes with the role, Mr. Lucas said there is “a point to prove that the job can be done”, but stressed that success will depend on partnerships, strategic alliances and strong engagement with farmers.

“We really want to get involved with the farmers, we want to support the farmers, and in so doing, create a number of initiatives to help,” he stated.

He identified praedial larceny, monkeys, labour shortages, rising input costs, climate change, water scarcity and the need to increase local food production as some of the key issues facing the sector. 

He noted that many of these challenges cannot be solved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security alone, but require open dialogue and cooperation with key stakeholders.

Mr. Lucas said his immediate focus will include building capacity, improving farmer engagement, making greater use of technology and innovation, and supporting the national drive to increase production and reduce imports under the “25 by 2025 plus five” initiative, which now looks toward 2030.

As he begins his tenure, Mr. Lucas stated that he is committed to working closely with farmers and stakeholders to strengthen production and productivity across the sector. 

“For those persons who have remained in this field, I first salute you. There’s a lot of work to be done, and the only way we could successfully address these challenges is if we put our heads down and get on with the work at hand,” the Chief Agricultural Officer stated. (PR/GIS)