As in many other small island developing States (SIDS) and regions, globalization has brought the world to national markets throughout the Caribbean. Food markets are fiercely competitive, and profit margins are squeezed along the value chain. Expectations of higher quality, and more stringent regulations are threatening to exclude small farmers who do not adapt. The well-known obstacles of (small) size, remoteness, high costs of labour and land, and lack of access to much–needed services (extension, finance, transport, business and organization) make small farmers even more vulnerable. When following proved good principles, contract farming can help link small farmers to profitable markets. These principles were discussed at an FAO regional workshop on contract farming in the Caribbean held in Barbados in 2015. Lessons learned and shared during the workshop have helped to shape FAO’s programme of work in the region. One of the outputs of this workshop is an issue brief on the topic. Download the brief here.