Trinidad and Tobago Cocoa ranked in the Top 50 Best of the World once again!
July 22, 2021:- Three (3) of the five (5) samples submitted from Trinidad and Tobago’s National Cocoa Awards to the global Cocoa of Excellence Programme 2021, to compete for International Cocoa Awards, have been selected among the best 50 bean samples with exceptional flavour, from amongst 235 global samples, after the first round of judging. These three samples will now vie for International Cocoa Awards at the Salon du Chocolat, Paris, France later in October of this year.
The world-ranked Trinidad and Tobago samples originated from Ms. Annette Mills of Charamal Estate, Aripo; Mr. Winthrop Harewood of Roods and Perches Estate, Tableland; and the Farmers of the Four Roads Tamana Cluster, Tamana, who submitted a composite sample. The members of this group are Mr. Albert Maloney, Mr. Calvin David, Ms. Helen Monsegue, Mr. Lyncoln Salandy, as well as Mr. Martin and Jacqueline Matthew who processed the group’s bean sample. This latter couple won an International Cocoa Award in 2019.
These 3 samples were among the top 5 local winners of the 2021 National Cocoa Awards (NCA). The Cocoa Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago (CDCTTL) chairs the National Organising Committee for the NCA, also comprising the Cocoa Research Section of the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries, the Cocoa Research Centre of the University of the West Indies, and ExporTT. The NCA is geared toward celebrating outstanding cocoa quality and the diverse flavours of our namesake Trinitario cocoa variety.
At the next stage of international judging the 50 global bean samples will be processed into chocolate for the flavor sensory evaluation by the Cocoa of Excellence Technical Committee, and a broader panel of professionals during the month of September. Thereafter, 15-20 of the 50 finalists will be winners of International Cocoa Awards (ICA).
We eagerly await the announcement of the final results of the ICA Awards. Trinidad and Tobago is the current record holder for winning International Cocoa Awards. Since the inception of the Cocoa of Excellence Programme in 2009, Trinidad and Tobago has won an outstanding 8 International Cocoa Awards. We hope to continue this winning streak in 2021.
The CDCTTL will continue to promote and develop the expertise of local producers to inter-National award-winning levels, in fulfilment of its mandate as the driver and catalyst of local cocoa sector.
Ms. Annette Mills at Charamal Estate, Heights of Aripo
Farmers of the Four Roads Tamana Cluster
From right to left - Albert Maloney, Helen Monsegue, Calvin David, Lyncoln Salandy and Martin Matthew of the Farmers of Four Roads Tamana Cluster
The Top Five Winners of the National Cocoa Awards 2021 – Back row from left: Mr. Winthrop Harewood (Tableland) 2nd Place winner of the NCA 2021, and his wife Mrs. Allison Harewood, Mr. Martin Matthew of the Four Roads Tamana Cluster: Category 3 winner for microlot samples, Javed Omardeen overall winner of the NCA 2021, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mr. Jason Brown- representing Mr. Charles Merry of La Deseada Estate Category 2 winner for Large Estates (Santa Cruz), Mr. Calvin David, Mr. Lyncoln Salandy both of the Four Roads Tamana Cluster. Front Row from left: Mrs. Jacqueline Matthew of the Four Roads Tamana Cluster, Ms. Annette Mills- 3rd Place Winner of the NCA 2021, Ms. Stephanie Omardeen- overall winner of the NCA 2021, and Ms. Helen Monsegue of the Four Roads Tamana Cluster
Mr. Winthrop Harewood at Roods and Perches Estate, Tableland
Download 2021 CoEx Top 50 Announcement – Media Release
NOTICE
Pursuant to Regulation 49 of the Public Service Commission Regulations, the Public Service Commission has declared MR. Don James, Temporary Animal Attendant(Range 9), Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries to have resigned his office in the Public Service with effect from 3rd July, 2014
Download Public Notice – Resignation of Mr. Don James [Animal Attendent]
December 22, 2020:- Sacrifice is germane to the success of one’s investment in agriculture. Such was the sentiment of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat on Tuesday 22nd December, 2020, as he addressed recipients at a Lease Letter Distribution Ceremony which took place at his Ministry’s corporate headquarters in Chaguanas. At the event, ten (10) farmers received letters which conveyed Cabinet’s approval to grant them, standard agricultural leases for an initial period of thirty (30) years.
In delivering the Feature Address at the ceremony, Minister Rambharat likened the costs for the survey of agricultural State lands – which the lease applicant (and not the State) now incurs – to that of a nominal sacrifice, particularly when one considers the current valuation and survey investments made by those seeking to acquire the use of residential and commercial properties. In the same vein, he added that each applicant had both a moral and financial responsibility, to meet the survey costs associated with the execution of their agricultural leases as these were already, highly subsidized by the taxpayer, on behalf of the farming community.
The lease letters distributed earlier today, will empower farmers to engage directly with financial entities and State agencies in the conduct of legitimate business with respect to their agricultural parcels.
NAMDEVCO commits to delivering 79,000 Market Boxes to Students
December 09, 2020:- In its ongoing effort to bring relief to those persons who have been negatively affected by the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) has committed to the distribution of agricultural produce of 1,300 packages per day to the families of 79,000 students with its Market Box Initiative. Each child registered under the School Feeding Programme, will receive a hamper valued at $250.00, comprising ground provisions, callaloo bush, pumpkins, a carton of milk, cocoa in addition to, local fruits and vegetables including pineapples, melons, melongene, tomatoes, sweet peppers and cucumbers.
The Initiative commenced on November 30, 2020 and is expected to be completed by February 12, 2021. It is a collaborative exercise, involving the Ministry of Education; Ministry of Social Development and Family Services; Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; National Dietary Services Limited; Grow Trinbago and NAMDEVCO.
Speaking about the organization’s role at its Packing House facility at Piarco earlier today, NAMDEVCO’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Nirmala Debysingh-Persad, praised the local farming community and its ability to provide a consistent and high-quality supply of fresh, safe and nutritious food. She said that the farmers, whose produce was being utilized in the Initiative, had to be certified by NAMDEVCO based on the Farm Certification and Monitoring Programme, in which the quality standards and practices on their farms are closely observed over a four (4) – six (6)- week period. This is to guarantee that the food supplies from these farms are safe based on international protocols. Ms. Debysingh further stated that the Market Box Initiative is so designed, that fresh produce is delivered to the packing house on a two (2)-day rotational basis, to ensure that both the post-harvest handling and nutritive components of the food are maintained at the point of delivery and beyond.
Also in attendance to observe the packaging process of the market boxes were NAMDEVCO’s Directors, Mr. Wayne Inniss (Deputy Chairman), Ms. Ann Marie Dardaine and Mr. Rayber Bowen and the T&T Representative for the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), Ms. Diana Francis.
To date, students from the following communities, have received their packages: Fyzabad, Mayaro, South Oropouche, Moruga, Rio Claro, Princes Town, Marabella, Pleasantville, Caroni, Couva, El Dorado, Arima, St. Augustine Maloney, La Horquetta, El Socorro, Tacarigua, Aranguez, Blanchisseuse, Carenage, Diego Martin, Sangre Grande, Valencia and Tamana.
The overall cost of the initiative is estimated at $19.75M.
The Royal Botanic Gardens extends its opening hours….
as Family Nights Under The Lights 2020 prepares for a television debut
December 07, 2020:- In a symbolic act signalling the start of the Yuletide Season, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, turned on the lights at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) in Port of Spain on Thursday 3rd December, 2020.
The ceremonial lighting of the RBG last evening, also marked the official launch of the 2020 ‘Family Nights Under the Lights (FNUTL). However, because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this year’s instalment will be in the form of a television programme. It will be hosted by Minister Rambharat and his wife, Camille Rambharat, and will relive the many magical moments and special memories that made it a hallmark feature on our local Christmas calendar, attracting thousands of families to the RBG over the years.
Speaking at the ceremony last evening, Minister Rambharat said that since 2015, “FNUTL had brought a new Christmas experience to T&T”, as each year, the event organizers “came to the RBG to herald the season of giving and goodwill to all”. He noted too that 2020 was “a new year” for FNUTL and will witness the event “coming to your homes,” as the television production promises to deliver the best of FNUTL.
The Minister, who lauded the creative genius of his wife for having conceptualized the highly anticipated event said that FNUTL would not have been possible without the support of its corporate partners, namely, BP Trinidad and Tobago; National Lotteries Control Board; Atlantic LNG; Nutrimix Group of Companies and Caribbean Airlines. He added that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, also provided non-cash support through several Divisions including the: Horticultural Services Division; Forestry Division; Estate Police, Praedial Larceny Squad and countless other employees across the Ministry.
With the traditional lighting of the Royal Botanical Gardens, there has been a temporary extension to the closing hours at the venue, from 6:00am -10:00pm daily. The extended opening hours commences from today, Friday 4th December, 2020, and shall continue to be in effect until Sunday 10th January, 2021.
The FNUTL 2020 television feature, is scheduled to be broadcast later this month on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. The times for the stations’ broadcasts will be subsequently advertised.
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Aquaculture Demonstration Centre receives equipment from CC4FISH Initiative
CC4FISH 1:- National Focal Point for the CC4FISH Project & Fisheries Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), Mr. Ricardo Albert (left) and the FAO’s National Co-ordinator for the CC4 FISH Project in Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Kerton Jobe (right), share a photo with Mr. Eustace Phillip (centre) of the Aguaculture Demonstration Centre (MALF) on Friday 4th December, 2020, following a formal handover of aquaponics parts and equipment (including, air pumps, water pumps and hoses) to the Centre.
December 07, 2020:- On Friday 4th December, 2020, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN), presented officials of the Aquaculture Demonstration Centre – Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries with various aquaponics parts and equipment (including, air pumps, water pumps and hoses). The initiative is part of the Organization’s initiative – Climate Change Adaption in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH).
The objective of the project is to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector, through the introduction of adaption measures in fisheries management and capacity building of fisher folks and aquaculturists. The project also aims to create a better understanding and awareness of climate change vulnerability, create resilience of fisherfolk, organisations and aquaculturists, and improve governance by mainstreaming climate change adaptation in multilevel fisheries governance.
The project has three main components / outcomes:
- Component 1 – Increasing the awareness and understanding of climate change impacts and vulnerability of the fisheries and aquaculture sector;
- Component 2 -Improving resilience of fisherfolk, aquaculturists and coastal communities to climate change and variability, and;
- Component 3 – Mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in multi-level fisheries governance.
Under Component 2 of CC4FISH-TT, various aquaponics parts and equipment were procured for use by the Aquaculture Demonstration Centre (ADC) in Trinidad to further assist in the development of the aquaponics and aquaculture sector in Trinidad and Tobago.
Friday’s presentation took place at the Aquaculture Unit-Aquaculture Demonstration Centre located at Bamboo Settlement #2, Valsayn.
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Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat (centre), is flanked by lease lease letter recipients at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas on Wednesday 11th November, 2020, following a brief distribution ceremony.
November 11, 2020:- Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries said that the Ministry was “taking a close look” at how it can assist a wider group of persons who do not currently have land tenure but are productive farmers and in so doing, give them the necessary access to the Ministry’s agricultural incentives. The Minister made the disclosure during his address at a Lease Letter Distribution Ceremony earlier today.
In empathising with the ‘land tenure’ prerequisite for acquiring a farmer’s badge, Minister Rambharat said, that while the measure was seemingly prohibitive, there was also a danger in being overly facilitative; as there could be an associated risk of it being abused by persons, whose only intention for acquiring the badge is to benefit from the vehicle incentive.
In signaling his intention to offer a temporary farmer’s badge to a wider group of farmers who do not now have land tenure, the Minister noted, that any such relief would not exempt these farmers from actively pursuing the regularization of their respective parcels within a specified time limit as the grant of a temporary farmer’s badge was part of the regularization of tenure process. He added: “What I don’t want, is that you give someone a temporary farmer’s badge and they do not take the steps to get the land tenure. It works hand in hand. Our primary focus is on production and if you are producing, then we have a responsibility to assist you to obtain land tenure, especially if it is State Land”.
The Minister also revealed that in the coming months focus will be concentrated on consolidating the issue of land in one place and dealing with some of the “running around” (to several Agencies) that people face when treating with State land. He also took note of the need for improved communication and access between the Ministry’s staff and their many stakeholders, which he identified as tantamount to the optimal development and improvement within the sector.
Today’s event which took place at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas, involved the disbursement of letters to ten (10) recipients, with each conveying both the Cabinet’s approval to grant a Standard Agricultural Lease for a specified period, and empowering the respective holders with the authority to engage financial entities and State Agencies, in respect to their agricultural parcels.
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In delivering the 2020/21 National Budget earlier today, Finance Minister Colm Imbert indicated that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries will benefit from a $500m Stimulus Package to be established and funded in 2021.
This package, the Minister said will be in addition to the normal budgetary allocation for the Agricultural sector and it will represent a 70% increase over last year’s allocation.
“The funding will support the rapid expansion in production and marketing of selected high-demand commodities with short production cycles such as vegetables, legumes, roots and tubers, grains, fruits and small live stock; adequate quality seeds will be secured; the use of alternative feedstock will be encouraged; and land issues will be addressed with a view to accelerating land tenure and access to idle state lands”, the Finance Minister said.
Some other proposed Measures for the Agriculture Sector includes:
- Strengthening the linkages for the food value and distribution chains by making locally produced foods more attractive within the country.
- A more technologically-advanced agricultural system to increase the availability of domestic food supply;
- A Centre of Excellence in Agriculture and Bio-Technology is being established using the existing human resources and infrastructure at the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, the University of Trinidad and Tobago, CARIRI and other agencies of the State;
- Education and Training on Sustainable Agriculture Practices;
- Investing in precision agriculture;
- Promoting the use of home gardens;
- Incorporating indoor vertical farming methods to increase crop yields;
- Creating community-supported agriculture programmes;
- Increasing education campaigns promoting the benefits of locally produced alternatives to cater to healthy lifestyles; and
- Developing marine aquaculture.
- Investing in productivity-oriented research and technology and strengthen the linkages between industry and agriculture to build sustainable food systems
In the 2020/21 Budget Allocation the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries received $1.198billion.
To view the full Budget Statement, please click on the following link:
Contact: Corporate Communications -Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Email: comms.malf@gov.tt| Website: www.agriculture.gov.tt
