Caribbean countries remain heavily dependent on imported staple foods despite producing export crops, while a 2025 survey found 42% of people in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean were food insecure. Investment in controlled-environment agriculture, such as container farms and high-tech greenhouses, could increase reliable local production in limited space and reduce exposure to hurricanes, drought and flooding. Regional supply-chain development is also being pursued through a planned modern sugar refinery in Belize, intended to process Caribbean cane for local manufacturers and meet more than 75% of Caricom's refined-sugar needs.