November 25, 2023: Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is urging livestock farmers to stay informed and embrace new technologies and best practices in the industry to better protect their livelihoods.

The Minister made the statement while addressing the opening ceremony of the Livestock Exhibition hosted by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board at the Ministry’s Chaguanas Headquarters earlier today, Saturday 25th November 2023.

Minister Hosein stated, “In this fast-paced world, we must stay informed, and adaptable and embrace new technologies and best practices.”

Describing the exhibition as truly a momentous occasion, the Minister said the event showcases the Ministry’s commitment to the development and growth of the livestock industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister encouraged all participants and members of the public to actively engage with the workshops, demonstrations and livestock displays. He said the experience “will undoubtedly expand your understanding of sustainable and responsible livestock farming practices.”

Under the theme, “Protein to Plate: Ensuring Local Food Security,” the Minister said the exhibition will assist in increasing the public’s awareness of the availability of local sources of protein.

Also addressing the opening was the Chairman of the Livestock Board Tricia Dare-Willaims. Ms. Dare-Williams said the exhibition will provide a platform for local breeders, farmers and persons with a general interest in livestock – to meet and exchange ideas.

She was optimistic that the Exhibition would provide an educational opportunity for the public, generally and students – particularly our coming generation – to be made aware of the comfortable livelihood that could be available to them in this industry.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to CARICOM’s mandate of decreasing the food import bill by 25% by 2025 and increasing local production thereby ensuring the nation’s food security for generations to come.

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November 17, 2023:-  Chief Technical Officer (CTO) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), Dr. Simone Titus, is urging her technical counterparts on the sister isle to be vigilant as no one is immune from rabies infection. Dr. Titus made her comments on Thursday, November 16th, 2023, during a presentation at a sensitization session on the prevention and control of rabies in Buccoo, Tobago.

The session stemmed from an invitation by the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment, and Sustainable Development (Tobago House of Assembly) for technocrats in MALF to bring awareness of the rabies disease, and ascertain whether reports received about suspected cases of vampire bat-biting in specific areas, were true.

While Tobago has not yet reported the presence of the vampire bat vector, Dr. Titus iterated the importance of MALF taking proactive measures to bolster its efforts in protecting the health and safety of the livestock population and human handlers in Tobago, by sharing the effectiveness of control programmes, outcomes and lessons learned from the Trinidad experience.

The CTO emphasized that, “With the movement of diseases globally and regionally, no one is immune from the impact of rabies and this is why we believe that it is necessary to host this sensitization session, so that Tobago can tailor its prevention and awareness campaigns and strategies, effectively.”

According to Dr. Titus, among some of the key ‘take-aways’ from the Trinidad rabies outbreak was the significance of early detection, rapid response and a coordinated approach to vaccination campaigns. She emphasized too, the crucial role of public education and awareness in promoting responsible livestock/animal ownership and reporting any suspicious animal behaviour. Additionally, the CTO stressed the need for enhanced surveillance systems, the importance of the identification and management of at-risk animals and continued collaboration between government agencies, veterinary professionals and the public, in achieving successful outcomes.

The sensitization session followed an earlier field visit to the Buccoo/Carnbee/Golden Grove community in Tobago, where participants assessed firsthand, the efforts undertaken by local authorities and livestock farmers, to tackle the threat of any potential rabies outbreak.

For further information on the Anti-Rabies Unit, persons are asked to visit the Ministry’s website at: https://bit.ly/malf-aru

 

About Rabies

Rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, poses a significant threat to public health and animal welfare. The disease is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected vampire bats and has an incubation period ranging from one week to one year, with the disease becoming fatal within a span of 2 to 10 days once clinical signs appear.

 

 

Photo caption: RAB 1: Technical Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries at a field visit to a livestock farm off Shirvan Road in Buccoo, Tobago, on Thursday 16^th November, 2023.

 

 

 

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November 8th, 2023:-  The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) has made a significant step in greening its power supply following the donation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system from the European Union (EU). The PV system, an electric power system designed to supply usable solar power through photovoltaics, was funded through the EU’s Global Climate Change Alliance Plus programme.

Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries describe the donation as a decisive step in its mission to achieve a greener and cleaner power supply. The system will be used at the Aquaculture Demonstration Centre in Bamboo Settlement #2.

Officials are optimistic that the electricity generated by this solar PV system will significantly diminish the Fisheries Division’s electricity expenses, freeing up valuable resources that can be redirected to other critical areas.

While addressing the handing-over ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the MALF, Mr. Farook Hosein, congratulated and thanked all teams, saying, “The project seamlessly aligns with our ongoing efforts to transition towards clean and renewable energy sources, particularly within the fisheries sector.”

In explaining the rationale behind selecting the Aquaculture Unit as the recipient of this remarkable system, the Permanent Secretary remarked, “It was no arbitrary choice. The dedication and commitment displayed by our farmers in embracing aquaculture and aquaponics, coupled with their frequent interactions at our Aquaculture Demonstration Centre in Valsayn, made it an ideal location to showcase and understand the installation and operation of the PV system.”

The Ministry is optimistic that this technological addition will provide an opportunity to develop operational systems for the effective implementation of new renewable energy and energy efficiency frameworks.

The project was funded by the European Union (EU) through its Global Climate Change Alliance Plus and closely supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Planning and Development.

 

 

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October 31st, 2023:-  The cocoa industry in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) is celebrating a remarkable achievement as three (3) samples from the country have been selected among the top fifty (50) in the prestigious Cacao of Excellence Awards 2023. This recognition highlights the exceptional quality and flavour diversity of cocoa produced in T&T and solidifies its position as one of the leading cocoa-producing regions in the world.

The Cacao of Excellence Awards, organized by the Cacao of Excellence Programme, brings together the finest cocoa bean samples from around the globe to compete for recognition and honor. This biennial competition serves as a platform to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of cocoa farmers while celebrating the remarkable flavours that each region brings to the table.

Out of two hundred and twenty-two (222) cocoa bean samples submitted from fifty-two (52) countries, three (3) samples from T&T were chosen to be in the top fifty (50) moving on the next stage of competition – a testament to the impeccable craftsmanship and expertise of its cocoa producers. The T&T samples, which were submitted by Ms. Stephanie Omardeen, Mr. Shankar Teelucksingh and Ms. Doolarie Ramdath, were chosen after a rigorous blind sensory evaluation conducted by the esteemed Cacao of Excellence Technical Committee.

“We are immensely proud of our cocoa industry and the preliminary results in the Cacao of Excellence Awards 2023,” said the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honorable Kazim Hosein. “This achievement is testament to Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to producing superior quality cocoa and showcases our unique flavour profiles to the world.”

The next stage of the competition will see the top fifty (50) samples processed into dark chocolate and evaluated by a distinguished jury of cocoa and chocolate professionals. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze award recipients will be announced at the highly anticipated Cacao of Excellence Awards Ceremony, scheduled for 8 February 2024, at Chocoa in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

T&T’s presence in the finals reflects the dedication and passion of its cocoa farmers and producers who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional cocoa beans. With this recognition, T&T cements its position as a global leader in the cocoa industry, showcasing the richness and diversity of its cocoa offerings.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries extends congratulations to T&T’s top cocoa producers for their outstanding accomplishment thus far.

 

 

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24th October 2023:-  The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) is pleased to announce the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Plantwise T&T, an agricultural initiative focused on improving crop health and livelihoods in developing countries. The signing ceremony took place earlier today (Tuesday, October 24, 2023) at the corporate headquarters of the Ministry in Chaguanas.

The renewal of this MOU signifies a strengthened partnership between MALF and Plantwise T&T, highlighting the Government’s dedication to supporting the Plantwise Programme. By extending the agreement, the Ministry acknowledges the significant contributions that Plantwise T&T has made to improve crop health, safeguard food security and enhance the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Trinidad and Tobago.

Representing the Ministry was the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh and Permanent Secretary (MALF), Mr. Farook Hosein. Plantwise T&T was represented by Dr. Yelitza Colmenarez, Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) Brazil Centre Director & Plantwise Regional Coordinator for Latin America and Caribbean.

At the signing ceremony, Minister Singh expressed the Ministry’s gratitude to CABI for its commitment to the Programme. He stated, “The renewal of the MOU reaffirms the collaborative efforts of Plantwise T&T and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in our shared goal of enhancing crop health and supporting the small-scale farming community. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we continue to create a meaningful impact on the agricultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Plantwise Programme, run by CABI, aims to provide plant health advisory services to small-scale farmers, equipping them with vital knowledge and resources to protect their crops from pests and diseases. The establishment of plant clinics staffed by trained plant doctors has proven to be an essential component of the programme, allowing farmers to seek guidance and receive solutions for their crop health issues.

Under the renewed MOU, the MALF will continue to support the expansion of Plantwise T&T’s network of plant clinics, ensuring that plant health services are readily available to all farmers across the country. Additionally, the Ministry’s assistance will enable Plantwise T&T to reach a broader audience of farmers and further contribute to food security and the improved livelihoods of our valuable food producers.

 

 

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October 21, 2023:- Following a surveillance and information gathering exercise, members of the Central Game Warden Unit attached to the Forestry Division – Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) in collaboration with the Southern Division Task Force of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) executed a search warrant in the Cacandee Road, Felicity area.

This exercise, which was supervised by Game Warden II Richard Ramlogan, including Game Warden I’s Nalini Khemraj, Vimal Arjun and Tariq Rasool, took place earlier today and led to the finding of what appeared to be the carcasses of nine (9) Scarlet Ibis in three (3) plastic bags. Presently, one (1) person has been arrested and investigations are ongoing.

The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein commended the efforts of the Game Wardens under the leadership of the Chief Game Warden and Conservator of Forests, Mr. Denny Dipchansingh saying, “I want to applaud the efforts of our Game Wardens along with the TTPS and other personnel for this arrest as it sends a strong message to poachers and persons who commit these infractions. Our National Bird, the Scarlet Ibis, is listed as an Environmentally Sensitive Species and is offered the highest level of wildlife protection in our country. Poaching of the Scarlet Ibis is a serious wildlife offence and offenders must feel the full brunt of the law and learn to respect wildlife legislation.”

Members of the public are reminded that the illegal poaching of our National Bird and other Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) are criminal offenses and carries a fine of $100,000 and two (2) years imprisonment.

 

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October 21, 2023:- The car park of the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando, was transformed into a market with farmers and agroprocessors exhibiting and selling their products, as the World Food Day National Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (WFDNCTT) held its Food Heroes Exhibition in commemoration of World Food Day 2023 earlier today.  This, the second Food Heroes Exhibition, was held under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) World Food Day Theme: ‘Water is Food, Water is Life – Leave no one behind’.

This Exhibition, according to Chairperson of the WFDNCTT, Ms. Teresa Rosemond, aimed to “give recognition to persons the Committee has termed ‘Food Heroes’, who sustainably plant, harvest, produce, develop, and transport food to ensure that we, the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago have access to affordable, safe and nutritious food”.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Rosemond noted that the World Food Day Theme “not only highlights the importance of sustainable practices, but brings to the forefront, issues of climate change, water scarcity and food shortages”. She also highlighted that “our farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs play a vital role in maintaining our food supply.  By supporting them, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce our Food Import Bill.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mr. Farook Hosein delivered the feature address on behalf of the Honourable Minister Kazim Hosein, stating that the celebration of World Food Day “serves as a testament to the collective action we are taking to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition and poverty; and also as a global platform to raise awareness of the gravity of these issues and emphasize the need for effective agricultural policies to be implemented by governments worldwide.”

Mr. Hosein further pointed out that “the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, is committed to supporting and fostering sustainable agricultural practices; and recognizes that our food heroes are the backbone of our agricultural sector and their contributions are invaluable.”

The Permanent Secretary also thanked the WFDNCTT, for organizing the event and providing the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the efforts of our food heroes; and also emphasized that “through this exhibition, we aim to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture in our country.” He added: “It is a platform to raise awareness of the importance of local food production, encourage innovation, and promote the consumption of healthy and nutritious meals.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, Mr. Narine Charran; FAO Representative, Ms. Crystal Daysee, along with members of the WFDNCTT, toured the booths and supported the exhibitors, as well as the NAMDEVCO farmers who were also at the event.

 

About the World Food Day National Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (WFDNCTT):

The World Food Day National Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (WFDNCTT) operates under the administrative remit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. It aims to promote awareness and action toward eradicating hunger, ensuring food security, and supporting sustainable agriculture practices in Trinidad and Tobago. The committee works closely with various stakeholders to organize events and initiatives that highlight the importance of food production, nutrition, and environmental conservation.

October 18th, 2023:-  “The time has come for us to take a conscientious step towards preserving our environment, conserving water and ensuring sustainable food production for the future.” So said the Chairman of the World Food Day National Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (WFDNCTT), Ms. Teresa Rosemond, as she addressed the launch of the World Food Day Exhibition in Shawpark, Tobago on Wednesday 18th October, 2023. In her address at the event, Ms. Rosemond emphasized the critical issues of food security and water scarcity that our global community faces today.

She stressed the significance of sustainable agricultural practices in ensuring food security and water availability. She stated: “By planting a tree, the WFDNCTT symbolically took another step towards preserving our environment, conserving water and ensuring sustainable food production for the future.”

Ms. Rosemond also emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing food security challenges. She said: “Our small-scale farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs play a vital role in maintaining our food supply. By supporting them, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce our Food Import Bill.”

The exhibition served as a platform to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector. Ms. Rosemond highlighted the significance of these “Food Heroes” and their impact on the community, stating: “Today’s Grand Agricultural Exhibition aids in raising awareness of the significance of agriculture and food production and also highlights who we, the WFDNCTT refer to as ‘Food Heroes’ – those individuals who sustainably plant, produce, process, and transport food, to ensure that our citizens have access to affordable and nutritious food.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Rosemond invited attendees to the WFDNCTT’s second Food Heroes Exhibition which takes place on Saturday 21st October, 2023, at the compound of the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts in San Fernando. She stated: “Our exhibition, much like yours, is a platform to recognize and celebrate those individuals who play a crucial role in the development of our agricultural sector. Their efforts remind us that we are not alone in our collective pursuit towards food security.”

Ms. Rosemond concluded her address with a call for collaboration and innovation to address food security challenges. She stated: “Our Government, business sector, non-governmental organizations, and citizens must come together to find innovative solutions to food security issues. Through our schools and communities, we strive to empower individuals to embrace home and community gardening. Our aim is to educate the national community on growing food using small spaces and inspire innovative approaches to agriculture, proving that anyone can participate in sustainable food production, even with limited resources.”

As Trinidad and Tobago work towards sustainable agriculture and food security, the WFDNCTT remains committed to empowering individuals, engaging communities, and inspiring citizens to contribute to the nation’s food security agenda.

 

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Photo Caption:- Chair of the World Food Day National Committee of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Teresa Rosemond (left) presents a Jack Fruit publication to the Secretary for Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development (Tobago House of Assembly), Assemblyman Nathisha Charles-Pantin (right), following the launch of the World Food Day Exhibition in Shawpark, Tobago on Wednesday 18th October, 2023.