Tobago farmers receive Agro-Incentive grants of up to

$100,000 from the Agriculture Ministry

June 24, 2020:- Three (3) farmers from Tobago were the recipients of Agro-Incentive cheques – up to the value of $100,000 respectively – at a brief distribution ceremony which took place on Wednesday 17th June, 2020 at the Tobago West Constituency Office. The cheques were presented by the Member of Parliament for Tobago West and Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe to: Ms. Josefa Patience; Mr. Edmond Joseph and Mr. Lindsay Edwards. Also present was the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), Ms. Susan Shurland.

Launched in October 2018 under the remit of MALF, the Agro-Incentive Programme was intended to assist farmers who needed a particular kind of intervention which was not previously catered for amongst the Ministry’s traditional incentives and would lend itself to increased production, sustainability, resilience to climate change and the overall enhancement of health and safety conditions.

Speaking at an Agro-Incentive Distribution Ceremony two (2) Fridays ago (June 12, 2020), Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, said that the incentive had been sought by well over 1,000 applicants since its launch and he was optimistic that there will be further disbursements of these grants, in the coming months.

For further information on the Agro-Incentive Grant, please click on the following link to the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries’ Corporate Website:

https://agriculture.gov.tt/publications/questions-and-answers-qas-agricultural-finance-support-programme-agro-incentive-grant/

 

 

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• What is the purpose of the Agro-Incentive Grant?

The purpose of the programme is to assist farmers in attaining new Techniques, Equipment and Technology.

 

• Who can apply?

Any person who is registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries as a farmer, fisherman, licensed woodcutter, licensed saw miller or an individual who can demonstrate that they are currently involved in Agriculture.

 

• How many applications per person?

Only One (1) application per person.

 

• How many applications per parcel of land?

Only One (1) application per parcel of land.

 

• Is there an email account facility for Questions and Answers?

Yes, information request can be emailed to the Communications Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Fisheries (MALF) at comms.malf@gov.tt

 

• Is there a Facility for Submission of Applications?

All applications must be submitted at any of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) Branches or at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas.

To view the ADB Branches please click on the following link:

http://www.adbtt.com/contact-us/

 

• Will applications without Commissioner of Affidavits stamp and signature be considered?

All applications MUST be endorsed by a Commissioner of Affidavits.

 

• Would Site visits be conducted?

Yes, Site visits will be conducted by members of Committee on a need basis.

 

• Is a Quotation required to support budget proposal in the application?

Quotations must be supplied to support proposals.

 

• Is there any opportunities given to farmers with expired registration cards?

Yes, farmers with expired registration cards will be given the opportunity to apply, however, there must be evidence that the renewal process for the expired card has begun.

 

• What are the requirements to access the Agro-Incentive Grant?

– Registered Farmer

– Land Tenure

– Business Plan

 

• Do I have to repay the Grant?

No, however the qualified applicant must adhere to the terms and condition to which the grant was approved.

 

• Would I be contacted if my Application was unsuccessful?

Yes, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries will contact all unsuccessful applicants via a formal correspondence.

 

Access the Agro-Incentive Grant Application Form and Instructions at the following link:

https://agriculture.gov.tt/aip/agro/agroform.pdf

What You Need to Know about a Plant Import Permit

The issuance of a Plant Import Permit is critical because it gives legal authorization to bring/import plant material from other countries into Trinidad and Tobago. With the importation of plant and plant products into the country, these items can pose a threat to the natural environment, our food security and economy. In this regard, the term “Plant Quarantine”, includes a group of measures taken by countries to prevent the introduction and spread of insect pests, diseases, and weeds.

The Plant Quarantine Service (PQS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) regulates trade through the issuance of plant import permits.  Persons requesting this document can therefore submit an electronic application via the e-permits and Licenses module on the TTbizlink – Online Applications (www.ttbizlink.gov.tt) website.

Plant and Plant Products also include a range of goods from live plants, all seeds for propagation, cut flowers and foliage, peas, beans, fruits, vegetables and lumber.

PQS also facilitates exports from Trinidad and Tobago by ensuring that the conditions of the importing country are met and issues phytosanitary certificates to exporters where required. The Plant Quarantine Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is the Government’s PQS agency authorized to issue Plant Import Permits and Phytosanitary Certificates.

• Plant and Plant Products Purchase Online

Persons accessing Amazon, eBay or any other online market facility are advised that you are required to apply for a plant import permit following the same application path.  Therefore, the Ministry strongly advises that before committing to any online purchase please engage the “seller” to ensure that a Phytosanitary Certificate can be issued for the intended purchase. If these requirements are not met, the items may be seized and destroyed.

The same guidelines also apply to the travelling public, as passengers transiting the airport must abide by the rules and regulations of meeting the documentary requirements – Import Permit and Phytosanitary Certificate to ensure compliance.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries reminds persons that is important to declare all agriculture items and avoid placing  plant or plant products in your luggage without a plant import permit issued by T&T and a Phytosanitary Certificate from the exporting country.

Finally, receiving or sending plant and plant products in any form into Trinidad and Tobago by mail or courier also requires a plant import permit and phytosanitary certificate. Unauthorized items from outside Trinidad and Tobago (online or other) will be confiscated at the border, destroyed and may lead to fines and imprisonment.

• Note: Plant Protection Act.

3. (1) Subject to this Act, no person shall import into Trinidad and Tobago any fruits, planting material, plant pest, pathogens, plant products, soil, vegetables or any other prescribed articles (hereinafter referred to as “restricted articles”) unless he first obtains a permit in accordance with the provisions of this Act or the Regulations.

(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable—

(a) on a first conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for two years or to both and;

(b) on a second or subsequent conviction to a fine of ten thousand dollars or to imprisonment for two years or to both.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is asking for the cooperation of the public on this issue and we wish to thank everyone for your continued support.

For further information please contact: 642-0718; 280-7938 or e-mail: plantquarantine.centeno@gov.tt

 

What You Need to Know about a Plant Import Permit

Step by Step Process for Applying for a Plant Import Permit

Ttconnect Requirements for Completion of Online ttconnect ID eTax TTBizLink

New Fisheries Bill laid in Parliament; first in 104 years says PM

By News Room

 

For the first time in 104 years, a bill has been laid in Parliament to replace the old Fisheries Act.

These were the words of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley as he introduced the Fisheries Management Bill 2020.

He noted that the current Act, established in 1916, has been deemed inadequate and after five draft bills over almost 30 years, new legislation has been introduced for debate in Parliament.

The bill, according to the PM:

• strengthens and incorporates fisheries management and international obligations, in relation to its antecedent drafts as it allows for broader responsibilities, jurisdiction and powers in relation to fisheries management by the State and its representatives
• it creates a legal basis for compliance by stakeholders
• it establishes a legal framework for the State to fulfill its obligations as a flag, port, coastal and market State in accordance with the existing international framework for fisheries management and related sectors
• it establishes the legal basis for State to collect revenue through application fees for authorizations, licences and permits as well as penalties that are significant for deterring illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing
• it provides a way into the future in which the law can be relevant for at least 20 years, as it provides for validity of measures to give effect to other agreements and treaties, which Trinidad and Tobago may adopt in future

The Prime Minister says the new legislation also seeks to protect the lives and livelihoods of stakeholders.

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