Caribbean Rice Industry Development Network (CRIDNET)

Goal
The goal of CRIDNET is to increase the productivity in the cultivation and marketing of regionally produced rice so that Caribbean rice can improve its competitive position in the international market place while optimising regional self-sufficiency.

Purpose
The purpose is to enhance and improve the transfer and utilisation of improved production technologies in the regional rice sector.

Approach/Strategy
CRIDNET will develop and strengthen national programmes, including extension services, by ensuring that all members of the industry participate and contribute to the national programmes. CRIDNET will develop an information system to ensure the transfer of information within the region. Technology transfer will be achieved by distribution of improved varieties (planting material), training of farmers and extension officers on improved production and post harvest systems, information sharing and the dissemination of information on improved production, post harvesting and marketing systems to end users.

Outputs
- The development and enhancement of the secretariat.
- The establishment of networking arrangements at the national and regional levels.
- The establishment and implementation of an information and strategic marketing system to ensure the sharing and dissemination of information amongst producer countries on improved production, post-harvesting and regional and extra-regional markets for rice.
- The hosting and convening of annual and other technical meetings.
- The development of a business plan detailing signed commitments by stakeholders in support of CRIDNET and the steps to be taken by CRIDNET to establish revenue-earning activities.
- The upgrading of national germplasm storage facilities in producer countries.
- Training of members of the regional rice sector facilitated by the Secretariat.

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