1. Country Report for Trinidad and Tobago Year 2012-2013 Presented By Steffony Green

2. Order of Presentation Overview of the Agriculture Sector Government Incentive Programs Government Initiatives Future Government Plans Non-Governmental Youth in Agriculture

3. Trinidad and Tobago Agriculture Sector The sector is separated into the domestic and export sectors. Domestic Sector: Production of root crops, fruits, vegetables, condiments, rice, poultry and livestock. Export Sector: cocoa, coffee, vegetables, agro processed products and fish.

4. Agriculture Sector Continued Contributions to Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P) 0.6 per cent Employs an estimated 4 per cent of the population Trinidad had 94.9 per cent of holding while Tobago has 5.1 per cent 72.5 per cent of farmers engage in crop farming, 10.6 percent engage in livestock rearing,16.3 per cent engage in both livestock and crop farming and 0.7 per cent engage in other agriculture activities.

5. Agriculture Sector Continued 85.3 per cent of all private farm holder were male while 14.7 per cent were females. Vegetable production is the most pursued agriculture activity. Farmers mainly form cooperatives and groups which work with the government supported Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago

6. Government Incentives Mega Farms: contribute to local supply and export market. Increased training session on food production techniques eg. Aquaculture The “Buy local, Eat local” campaign Provision of services with respect to plant health via the plant clinic in partnership with Centre for Agriculture BioScience International (CABI)

7. Government Incentives Continued The Caroni Green Initiative Investment in beekeeping and honey production. Training is provided at a subsidized cost.

8. Government Initiatives There are very few youth initiatives in agriculture The Youth Apprenticeship Program in Agriculture (YAPA) : which is aimed at youths ages 15-20 ( has been discontinued) Agriculture Professional Development Programme: aimed at University graduates has been continued for a second year.

9. Future Government Plans Rejuvenation of the Cocoa industry Focusing on niche markets for country’s specialty cocoa Supplying planting materials for 11 improved cocoa varieties Fostering links with international chocolatiers Rehabilitating cocoa/ chocolate plantations

10. Future Government Plans Continued Enhance the fisheries industry The expansion of hatcheries Establishing national processing and cold storage facilities.

11. Non- Governmental Youth in Agriculture The Agribusiness Society of the University of the West Indies, continues to be the most active group. – Initiatives D’Agri Talk Series and Study Tour : aimed at encouraging youths at the university campus to be more involved in agriculture Increase field visits to ensure development both practically and professionally.

12. Non- Government Youths in Agriculture Continued The 4H group remains active at the primary school level in south Trinidad.

13. References Central Statistical Office, The Agricultural Census 2004 accessed 19 October 2012. http://www.cso.gov.tt/statistics/Statistics/TT4.2.pdf The New Agriculturist (New Ag) 2013. “Trinidad and Tobago Country Profile” Accessed October 1, 2013 http://www.new-ag.info/en/country/profile.php?a=3023 The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), “Trinidad and Tobago Protected Agriculture Profile” Accessed October 1, 2013 http://www.cardi.org/cfc-pa/country-profiles/trinidad-and- tobago-protected-agriculture-profile/