New Zealand partners with the Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub to launch the Agriculture Work Crew

In a new initiative to tackle climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting, and Verification Hub (MRV Hub) and the New Zealand Government, have launched the Agriculture Work Crew - a regional initiative aimed at transforming how Caribbean nations monitor and report agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Building the foundations for Climate-Smart Agriculture

The Agriculture Work Crew is a cornerstone of the MRV Hub’s broader mission to empower Caribbean countries with the tools and expertise needed to meet the rigorous reporting requirements of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. This includes preparing Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) and updating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - both of which demand accurate, sector-specific emissions data.

Historically, Caribbean nations have faced persistent challenges in compiling robust GHG inventories due to limited data systems and scarce technical expertise. The Agriculture Work Crew directly addresses these gaps by training national experts to:

·         Apply IPCC methodologies and open-source tools,

·         Use harmonised, regionally appropriate data templates,

·         Generate outputs aligned with UNFCCC reporting needs,

·         Strengthen national policy advice and inventory systems, and

·         Build a collaborative network of professionals across the region.

Regional Collaboration and Inclusion

The initiative is open to technical and policy officers from agriculture ministries across the Caribbean, with funded participation available for two applicants each from Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Other MRV Hub member countries are encouraged to join on a self-funded basis.

This inclusive approach fosters a Community of Practice, enabling peer learning and regional collaboration in tackling food security and climate challenge. The Agriculture Work Crew also supports the development of transparent, country-led GHG inventories that can inform both national policy and international climate negotiations.

A Model for Climate Leadership

The Agriculture Work Crew exemplifies how regional cooperation and targeted capacity building can empower small island developing states to take ownership of their climate data and policy processes. By investing in local expertise and institutional memory, New Zealand is helping Caribbean nations move from dependency on external consultants to self-sufficient climate leadership.

As the Caribbean faces increasing climate threats, initiatives like the Agriculture Work Crew offer a hopeful path forward—one rooted in knowledge, collaboration, and resilience.