In 1968 Jamaica hosted the 10th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC) for the first time. In 2018, Jamaica will once again host this momentous 35^th session, marking 50 years after the 10th Session was held in the country and 20 years since the Caribbean has hosted a Regional Conference. Coincidentally, 2018 also marks the 40^th Anniversary of the establishment of a representation in Jamaica, which today also covers the Bahamas and Belize.

During a visit to Jamaica by FAO’s Joint Regional Representative/ FAO Representative in Chile, Eve Crowley, along with FAO Protocol Officer Paula Valdivieso and FAO Assistant Representative for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize, Gillian Smith, a Memorandum of Responsibilities for the convening of the LARC35 was signed with the Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Karl Samuda and Permanent Secretary Donovan Stanberry.

This signing signalled the official organization of this regional event, which is expected to be held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from 5-8 March 2018. The Conference will attract relevant sector Ministers and specific agencies from across the Latin American and Caribbean region, as well as representatives from FAO Latin American and Caribbean Offices and its Headquarters in Italy.

The biennial Conference gives the 33 countries of the region an opportunity to collectively discuss the direction for regional policy and FAO’s programming of work and budget for the 2018-2019 biennium. Three of the main issues which will form the agenda include:

• Ending hunger, achieving food security and eradicating all forms of malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean;
• A New approach to rural development in Latin America and the Caribbean, and fighting inequality and overcoming poverty in a sustainable way; and
• Climate resilient sustainable agriculture.

The hosting of the Conference by Jamaica emphasizes the nation’s commitment to achieving food and nutrition security in the Caribbean and provides an opportunity for showcasing some of the work done throughout the region.