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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August 2, 2024:- Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries wishes to provide an important update regarding the recent outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
The affected premises remain under strict quarantine and are being managed to ensure the situation is contained. We have implemented extensive country-wide surveillance, and thus far, all test results received have been negative for PRRS, African Swine Fever, and Classical Swine Fever. Testing is ongoing in various regions, and we anticipate having complete results soon. We will continue to update the public as new information becomes available.
It is important to note, we have received significant support both locally and internationally since this issue was identified. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Veterinary Services of Chile have been providing technical response assistance. The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the West Indies (SVM, UWI) has supplied essential materials and supplies, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has offered emergency funding.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries would like to once again reassure our citizens that locally produced pork remains safe to consume. PRRS does not pose a food safety risk and is not harmful to humans.
We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as we continue to address this situation with diligence and transparency. For further inquiries or updates, please refer to official communications from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.
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July 31, 2024:- Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – Yesterday (Tuesday 30th July, 2024), the Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) received a welcomed boost to their mobility capabilities as they increased their fleet capacity by (4) four vehicles. The official handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries’ Head Office, Chaguanas marked a significant achievement in enhancing the squad’s ability to combat agricultural theft and support our farming communities.
During his address, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries highlighted, “Today is a very significant day for the Praedial Larceny Squad and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. The increase in our fleet of vehicles represents a major step forward in our efforts to protect our farmers and strengthen our agricultural sector. With these new vehicles, we aim to improve patrol visibility, reduce response times and restore a sense of safety and security among our farming communities.” He added, “there are a lot of illegal animals coming in through our borders and being sold by local butchers and we must be aware of this and as these meats carry diseases and can be harmful once consumed”.
Additionally, the Minister commended the continued commitment of the dedicated men and women of the Praedial Larceny Squad who, even in the face of numerous challenges remain committed to protecting and serving the farming communities of our beloved country. He also urged them saying, “Be kind and understanding to the Farmers, they are hardworking men and women who put food on our tables”.
Also in attendance were the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of National Security; the Honourable Keith Scotland, S.C., Minister in the Ministry of National Security; Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; and Mrs. Erla Harewood-Christopher, Commissioner of Police. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort and commitment to enhancing security in our agricultural sector.
The Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds in his remarks expressed the importance of collaboration stating, “The handover of these much-needed vehicles highlights an all-of-government approach that not only secures the agricultural sector but also contributes to the safety and security of the entire country.”
The addition of these vehicles has increased the PLS fleet to (9) nine vehicles. This enhancement will significantly boost the squad’s efficiency. With improved mobility, the Praedial Larceny Squad can now respond more swiftly to incidents, conduct more frequent patrols and cover more areas. This increased capability will not only help prevent and address cases of praedial larceny more effectively but also provide farmers and our farming communities with greater reassurance and support.
The Honourable Keith Scotland, S.C. also addressed this morning’s ceremony congratulating the Praedial Larceny Squad on their new addition and emphasizing the importance of their role in safeguarding the agricultural sector. He further described the sector as the “lifeblood of our nation.”
The Praedial Larceny Squad remains steadfast in its mission to combat agricultural theft, ensuring the safety and security of farmers and the nation’s food supply.
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June 7, 2024:- Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) wishes to inform the public about the recent detection of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) at a pig farm in South Trinidad. PRRS, also known as blue ear disease, is a serious condition affecting domestic pigs, characterized by reproductive failure, pneumonia, and increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. It is important to note that PRRS is NOT a zoonotic disease and poses no threat to food safety and human health. Local pork remains safe for human consumption.
PRRS is classified as a notifiable disease under the Animal Diseases (Importation, Health, and Welfare) Act, Schedule 1, and is primarily transmitted through the movement of infected animals. Piglets of infected dams may not show symptoms but can still shed the virus through faeces, urine, and semen. Fomite transmission via vehicles or supplies is also possible. Notwithstanding this, the public is advised that there is no evidence to suggest human infection with the PRRS virus.
Following a confirmed positive laboratory test, a thorough investigation comprising of sample collection and testing is currently ongoing by a team of Veterinarians from the Ministry’s Animal Health and Production (AP&H) Division, at the farm in South Trinidad. Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) at MALF, Dr. Lana Gyan, advised that on-site clinical investigations are ongoing and samples are actively being collected for a thorough epidemiological investigation. Additionally, surveillance in the surrounding areas is continuing as the infection source remains unidentified at this time. As per the requirements of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), MALF has reported the outbreak and also informed the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).
In order to minimise the spread of this disease, the Ministry has quarantined the premises in question. The School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) and Sanitec in collaboration with Regional Swine Medicine experts have been engaged to provide technical and operational advice.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries reiterates to citizens that this disease poses no threat to human health and food safety. We advise all pig farmers throughout the country to desist from feeding your pigs any pork products, at this time as this disease may spread to other pigs via infected pork. The wellbeing of our livestock industry remains a priority to the agriculture sector and our country at large. The Ministry will continue to advise on this situation as it progresses.
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