Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Launches Cocoa and Coffee Steering Committee to Drive Sector Transformation and Export Growth

April 22, 2026:-  On April 21, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries formally launched the Cocoa and Coffee Steering Committee at the Rio Claro Demonstration Station, marking a significant step toward strengthening governance, enhancing value chain coordination, and accelerating the sustainable development of Trinidad and Tobago’s cocoa and coffee industries.

The establishment of the Steering Committee represents a strategic policy intervention designed to align institutional efforts, eliminate fragmentation, and drive a coherent, results-oriented approach to sectoral development. The Committee will function as a high-level coordination and oversight mechanism, bringing together key public sector agencies, research institutions, financial bodies, and industry stakeholders to guide the implementation of targeted initiatives across the cocoa and coffee value chains.

In delivering remarks, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, underscored the critical importance of structured governance in unlocking the full economic potential of these sectors.

The Minister further emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s broader agenda to reposition agriculture as a viable engine of economic diversification, rural development, and foreign exchange generation. Particular focus will be placed on increasing productivity through farm rehabilitation and improved agronomic practices, strengthening post-harvest quality systems, expanding value-added processing, and enhancing market access through branding, certification, and traceability systems.

The Honourable Nicholas Morris, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Mayaro, was also in attendance, along with Chief Technical Officer Dr. Michelle Mellowes, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan of the Cocoa Research Centre, among other key stakeholders.

The Steering Committee will also oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive sector action plan, incorporating measurable performance indicators, defined timelines, and clear institutional responsibilities.

In addition to strengthening domestic production systems, the initiative seeks to leverage emerging global demand for premium, ethically sourced, and sustainably produced cocoa and coffee. Trinidad and Tobago’s positioning within the fine/flavour cocoa category provides a competitive advantage that the Ministry intends to fully capitalize on through strategic partnerships, innovation, and targeted investments.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative and to drive long-term growth and resilience within the sector.

 

 

END