September 16, 2024:- The public is hereby notified that the Hunting Season will officially open on October 1, 2024 and end on February 28, 2025, with the closed season running from April 1 to September 30, 2025. The sale of State Game Licenses (SGL) will commence as of Monday September 16, 2024 at stations in both Trinidad and Tobago (listed below).
During the month of March 2025, the listed Game Species are removed from the schedule and HUNTING is PROHIBITED. All State Game Licences are TT$100.00 per Game Specie and there is a limit of three (3) State Game Licences per hunter.
In order to ensure that there are no violations of the Conservation of Wild Life Act (COWA), all hunters are asked to familiarize themselves with the COWA Chapter 67:01 and to be aware of the following:
- All State Game Licences (SGL) according to the (COWA) Chapter 67:01, enable hunters/licensees to hunt the game species specified on their respective licence on State Lands and Forest Reserves.
- All hunting and or possession of Iguana (Iguana iguana) is prohibited during the months of January, February and March; the fine for which is Ten Thousand Dollars (TT$10,000.00). Hunting of the Lizard Species Iguana ends on December 31st, 2024. Similarly, hunting of Lizards is NOT permitted within the municipal boundaries of the city of Port of Spain. (Legal Notice No. 280 of 2019) and (Regulations (6) (1) (c) and (7) (1A).
- Persons have until March 31st, 2025 to dispose of Game Animal carcasses (or any part thereof) from their property and or their possession with the exception of Game animal – Iguanas which must be disposed on or before (midnight) December 31st, 2024.
- Holders of State Game Licences purchased for the 2024-2025 Hunting Season must correctly complete and submit the Mandatory Data Return Forms on or before May 31st, 2025. (Failure to comply may result, on summary conviction of Five Thousand Dollars (TT$5,000.00) per data form).
ALL first-time hunters should present:
- One form of valid government issued identification, namely National Identification Card, Drivers Permit or Passport.
- A recent utility bill (not older than three (3) months with necessary authorization letter should utility bill be on another person’s name) for verification of address.
Permits can be obtained at the following Forestry Division Offices in Trinidad and the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development sales centres (as directed) in Tobago, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Except on Public Holidays and Weekends.
| STATION | TELEPHONE CONTACT |
| Forestry Office, Damarie Hill, Sangre Grande | 225-3728 |
| Forestry Office, Long Circular Road, St. James | 225-3875 |
| Forestry Office, Pleasantville, San Fernando | 225-3777 / 3774 / 3778 |
| District Revenue Office, Chaguanas | 671-4773 |
| Forestry Office, Rio Claro | 644-2241 / 630-4395 |
| District Revenue Office, Tunapuna | 662-2797 |
| Scarborough District Revenue Office (Tobago) | 639-4412 Ext. 5 / 639-2410 |
| Roxborough District Revenue Office (Tobago) (Monday, Wednesday and Friday ONLY) | 660-4379 / 5052 |
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September 14, 2024:- Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – Earlier today (Saturday 14th September, 2024), Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), distributed over $3.1 million in Grants to thirty-four (34) recipients as part of Cycle 7 Batch 2 of the Agricultural Finance Support Programme (Agro-Incentive Grant). The distribution took place at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas, amidst the lively atmosphere of the Namdevco Farmers’ Market. The event not only highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing local agriculture but also celebrated the vibrant community of the market.
The Agro-Incentive Grant is a key element of the Ministry’s vision for a modern, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector. It represents the Ministry’s dedication to promoting innovation, resilience, and sustainability within the agricultural community.
Minister Kazim Hosein highlighted the importance of the ceremony, stating, “Today’s grant distribution goes beyond financial support; it acknowledges the essential role each of you plays in our agricultural sector. By investing in your projects, we are underscoring our commitment to stimulating a more robust and resilient agricultural industry. Your dedication is pivotal for ensuring food security and economic stability in Trinidad and Tobago, and it shapes the future of our farming community.”
Minister Hosein further addressed the broader economic implications of the grant, remarking, “This is the true power of the Agro-Incentive Grant—not just to fund a project but to empower individuals. We are investing in people who will lead the way in innovation, sustainability, and in turn closer to the goal of achieving food and nutrition security.”
The 34 Grant recipients represent a diverse cross-section of the agricultural sector, including small-scale farmers and large agribusinesses. The funds will be used for various innovative projects such as state-of-the-art irrigation systems, hydroponic systems, solar panel installations, shade houses, and farm improvements to meet Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards, investments in new breeding stock for livestock, and advanced fishing equipment.
Additionally, Minister Hosein highlighted the recently launched Farmers’ Registration Portal, which has been developed to enhance accessibility to Ministry services. He encouraged interested individuals to apply for the farmers’ badge through this portal, noting that it will provide access to a variety of grants, incentives, and programmes offered by the Ministry. By obtaining the badge, farmers and fisherfolk can also benefit from the Agricultural Incentive Programme (AIP), which includes cash rebates and exemptions across 92 categories, supporting needs such as vehicle purchases, integrated pest management systems, and advancements in livestock, tree crops, and agro-processing. The portal aims to simplify the application process and ensure that all eligible individuals can fully utilize the available support.
In his closing remarks, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, congratulated the farmers and hailed them as heroes in the agricultural community. He highlighted their vital role in helping feed the country and reassured them of the Ministry’s steadfast commitment to supporting their efforts.
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September 01, 2024:- On August 31, 2024, at 6:37am the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard intercepted a pirogue off the coast of Chaguaramas with one (1) Trinidadian national and five (5) Venezuelan nationals found aboard, in addition to sixteen (16) animals.
Officers of the TT Coast Guard made contact with officers of the Customs and Excise Marine Interdiction Unit, who proceeded to alert the Airport Rostered Veterinarian and the Senior Veterinary Officer. Once the vessel was docked at Coast Guard facilities in Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas, all animals aboard were removed and humanely euthanized. These included thirteen (13) sheep, two (2) dogs and one (1) chicken.
Decontamination and disposal of the euthanized animals was completed by Sanitec Limited, which included transportation of the carcasses, incineration and disinfection of the premises.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries continues its collaborative efforts to ensure the health and safety of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the safety of the country’s Agricultural industry.
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August 23, 2024:- Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries officially launched the Farmer Registration Portal during the recently concluded TT Agri-Expo 2024, at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
The Farmer Registration Portal is a significant step in the digitalization of the Farmers’ Registration Programme (FRP). The FRP, developed by MALF, aims to register farmers and fulfill the requirements of the Praedial Larceny Act, which allows farmers to transport their produce to market. While farmers have previously been able to access various grants and incentives offered by the Ministry, this new online platform modernizes the registration process and enhances its efficiency. It will also create a comprehensive and up-to-date database for the Ministry.
First to receive his new symbolic Farmer’s Badge was Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister, as he visited the Ministry’s booth to access the new Portal and complete the sign up process.
During the soft launch of the portal on August 5, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, highlighted “This is a significant moment for the Ministry and by extension the Government. We are putting farmers first and ensuring that the services required are easily accessible.”
The Ministry is encouraging individuals and organizations who meet the criteria to access the Portal and complete the first step of registration by visiting www.agriapps.gov.tt or the Ministry’s website www.agriculture.gov.tt.
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August 19, 2024:- Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – The three-day Trinidad and Tobago Agri Expo 2024 concluded on Sunday, August 18, welcoming close to 60,000 visitors to the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. The event showcased the vast potential of the agricultural sector, offering a platform for approximately400 exhibitors, including agribusinesses, farmers, Ministries, and State Agencies, making it the largest agricultural expo in the region.
Held under the theme ‘Farm to Table: Revolutionising the Local Food Supply Chain’, the Expo showcased the industry’s diversity and provided opportunities for new business, business growth, technological innovation, and investment, all of which underscore the Government’s commitment to strengthening food security. In his opening remarks, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister, urged the public to support local agricultural enterprises, emphasizing that “What we are producing is attractive, it’s healthy, and it is good for us.”
Key features of this year’s event included an expanded Business-to-Business segment, a Kids’ Zone, a Chow Competition, and a Livestock Competition with winners walking away with up to $50,000 in categories such as ‘Best Dairy Bull,’ ‘Best Milking Cow,’ and ‘Best Ram.’ These initiatives not only celebrated the excellence within the industry but also reinforced the Expo’s role in fostering stronger connections across the food chain—from farm to table.
Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, was pleased to note that the Agri Expo exceeded all expectations and expressed his sincere gratitude for the efforts of every individual and entity that made this year’s event a resounding success. Minister Hosein stressed, “In a world where millions still suffer from hunger, we must recognize the profound impact that sustainable agriculture can have on eradicating food insecurity. By investing in agriculture, we invest in our future—a future where every individual has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.”
The Government remains committed to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by local farmers, many of which are influenced by global trends such as climate change and fluctuating prices. Through initiatives like the Agri Expo, the Government is actively working to support farmers’ businesses and strengthen the entire food supply chain. By promoting local produce, building consumer confidence in homegrown goods, and facilitating connections between farmers, distributors, retailers and consumers, the Expo helps create larger markets for local products. This, in turn, encourages more consumption of homegrown food and reduces reliance on imports, directly contributing to food security and economic resilience for the nation.
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