Plant Quarantine Services commences
Electronic Issuance of approved Plant Import Permits

12th May, 2020: The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) wishes to advise the national community that effective Friday 8th May, 2020, its Plant Quarantine Service (PQS) Unit will be processing and transmitting all approved Plant Import Permits to its clients electronically. This measure is in line with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s national guidelines issued to safeguard the health and safety of the nation’s citizenry in respect of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While this process would enable business continuity in the current environment, it is widely expected to remain in effect beyond the pandemic.

In this regard, the trading community is asked to be mindful of the following:

(i) Import Permit Applications will be processed via the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s TTBizLink Platform (www.ttbizlink.gov.tt );

(ii) (ii) Digitally Stamped and Signed Approved Plant Import Permits will be e-mailed to the applicants directly. As such, there will be no collection of Plant Import Permits at PQS, Centeno. Persons are therefore reminded to check regularly with the TTBizLink system for updates on the status of their application which will processed within three (3) working days.

For further information please contact the Plant Quarantine Services (PQS) Unit via any of the following- Telephone: 642-0718, 397-4495 or 280-7938; or email: plantquarantine.centeno@fp.gov.tt

Forestry Division Hosts Virtual Lottery Draw for Pine and Teak Allocation

May 12, 2020: The Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) hosted a virtual lottery draw for its annual allocation of Pine and Teak Units to Sawmillers. The online process was held because of current restrictions due to Covid-19. As such, a recommendation was made by the Conservator of Forests to waive the usual newspaper advertisements for ‘Letters of Interest’ and allow the Permanent Secretary to facilitate the allocation in a random and transparent manner.

The Forestry Division has been entrusted with the responsibility for the management of the forest resources of the country, which includes the State- Owned Teak and Pine Plantation. The State currently owns approximately 6,400 hectares of Teak and 3,393 of Caribbean Pine. Teak and Pine have a rotation of 50 and 30 years respectively. Historically, the sale of Teak and Pine assets is conducted in accordance with a Teak and Pine Sales Policy.

The draw was held at the MALF Head Office on Monday 11^th May, 2020 and was conducted by the Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ms. Susan Shurland and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Mrs. Coomarie Goolabsingh. It was witnessed by the Conservator of Forests – Mr. Denny Dipchansingh, Acting Head of the Legal Unit – Mr. Dirk Ramdin, Manager, Corporate Communications – Mr. Dominic Hinds along with the various representatives from the Sawmillers Association and Co-operatives who were viewing from their remote locations.

At the conclusion of yesterday’s draw, 106 Sawmillers received allocations for Teak and 103 Sawmillers   for Pine. Sawmillers who were successful in acquiring allocations at the lottery draw will be notified within two (2) weeks, and they would have the option to accept or decline such, after they have viewed their assigned field. Thereafter, contracts will then be issued to all sawmillers who have accepted their assigned fields.

April 13, 2020

Chiller and Cold Storage Space available to farmers

A month ago, the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) issued a Media Release covering Health and Safety measures at our Farmers and other markets across the country. NAMDEVCO operates Farmers Markets; Wholesale Markets at Debe and Macoya; the Wholesale Fish Markets at Orange Valley and Port of Spain; Woodford Lodge Market; Valencia Retail Farmers’ Market and the Piarco Packing House.
We now detail another facility we have made available to farmers across the country.
Since then, the COVID-19 Regulations were put in place with agriculture and all its support and ancillary activities being designated essential work. This includes NAMDEVCO’s work and in particular, the markets which provide access to consumers but also allows for close to $500 million in goods to be traded annually. Fees paid by buyers at some of our markets have been waived and hand sanitizers and hand-wash facilities are provided at the markets for customers and farmers.
In the latest version of the Regulations, when specific changes were made to operating hours for a reduced number of activities, the Government was careful to ensure that the operating hours and arrangements for every Municipal, Farmers, Wholesale and Fish market remain unaffected. One exception was the Port of Spain Central Market, where night hours were stopped and the farmers and other vendors were granted their request to operate from 4 am to 4 pm daily.
The Health and Safety measures have worked well except for one incident at the Southern Wholesale Market, Debe which was addressed. Customers, farmers and all the supporting agencies have been happy with our arrangements.
We have now taken our support another step further.
NAMDEVCO can store in safe and sanitary conditions the excess supply of vegetables and fruits our farmers may have so that they can continue to make these items available to the public. We have been discussing this with our farmers and a few have now indicated that they are ready to access this service. It is available immediately at no cost to farmers at the Piarco Packinghouse and farmers can call 669-7092 / 669-7093 to schedule delivery of produce for storage.
Other arrangements in the key farming areas would be advised.
To access the Piarco facility, all produce must be washed and sanitized prior to storage.
In addition, farmers who would like our support to find buyers, can contact our Marketing Department at 485-1103. We also invite you to contact us through Facebook, via email and phone for any further information.
For further information contact:
Corporate Communications Unit
The National Agricultural and Marketing
Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO)
Tel: 647-3218
E-mail: contact@namdevco.com; corporatecommunications@namdevco.com

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Food Safety and Coronavirus

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

On March 12, 2020, Trinidad and Tobago confirmed its first Covid-19 Case. With the realization that the country had recorded its first Covid-19 case, panic buying ensued and citizens stocked up on large quantities of several commodities such as toilet paper and disinfectant sprays, with the sudden fear of a forthcoming shortage or an increase in prices. Supermarket shelves, locally, regionally and internationally struggled to remain stocked on commodities, as long lines presented themselves at these establishments. Consumers also rushed to the country’s Farmers Markets and Municipal Markets, to purchase fresh produce and meat.

Little is known or understood about the effect of COVID-19 and food and food safety and the following Questions and Answers serve as a guide to consumers.

1. How is COVID-19 Spread?

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This includes between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes

2. Are the agricultural produce at the markets safe?

Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.  Unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like Norovirus and Hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is a virus that causes respiratory illness. Foodborne exposure to this virus is not known to be a route of transmission. However, it’s always critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill – to prevent foodborne illness.

3. How do I ensure that agricultural produce remain safe for consumption?

• Firstly, choose produce that are not bruised or damaged.
• At home, wash your hands for 20 seconds with water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
• For produce that require peeling, rinse BEFORE you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.
• Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water.
• For firm produce such as watermelon and cucumbers, use a clean vegetable brush or sponge to remove dirt on the outer surface.
• For leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage, remove the outermost leaves and agitate under running water to loosen surface dirt.
• Finally, dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.

For extra measure, produce can be rinsed in a simple sanitizing solution comprised of 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. Only potable water should be used for washing of hands and produce.

4. Are there any risk from interacting with animals or consuming animal products?

To date, there is no evidence of any animal including pets playing a role in the spread of the virus.

General hygiene measures should be applied when handling animals and animal products. These include regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products, as well as avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth, and avoiding contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products.

Always remember, you should not handle, slaughter, dress, sell, prepare or consume meat that originates from wild animals or livestock that are sick or that have died from unknown causes. Raw wild meat or uncooked dishes based on the blood of wild animals should not be consumed. These practices place people at high risk of contracting any number of infections.

As per general good food safety practices, raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid potential cross-contamination with uncooked foods. When consuming animal products, ensure meat from healthy animals is cooked thoroughly and remains safe to eat. Cooking food to a temperature of 70°C can help ensure that it is safe for consumption.

5. Are there any risk from touching food packaging?

According to the World Health Organisation, the risk of catching the virus that causes Covid-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also very low. To date, there is no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.

Always remember the five keys to safer food

Key 1: Keep clean

• Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation
• Wash your hands after going to the toilet
• Wash and sanitize all surfaces and equipment used for food preparation
• Protect kitchen areas and food from insects, pests and other animals

Key 2: Separate raw and cooked

• Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods
• Use separate equipment and utensils such as knives and cutting boards for handling raw foods
• Store food in containers to avoid contact between raw and prepared foods

Key 3: Cook thoroughly

• Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood
• Bring foods like soups and stews to boiling to make sure that they have reached 70°C. For meat and poultry, make sure that juices are clear, not pink. Ideally, use a thermometer
• Reheat cooked food thoroughly

Key 4: Keep food at safe temperatures

• Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• Refrigerate promptly all cooked and perishable food (preferably below 5°C)
• Keep cooked food piping hot (more than 60°C) prior to serving
• Do not store food too long even in the refrigerator
• Do not thaw frozen food at room temperature

Key 5:  Use safe water and raw materials

• Use safe water or treat it to make it safe
• Select fresh and wholesome foods
• Choose foods processed for safety, such as pasteurized milk
• Wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw
• Do not use food beyond its expiry date

Source:

• Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO)
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)
• Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Organization For Animal Health (OIE)

Download press release

Statement by the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries on the USDA’s confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 in a tiger

Agricultural Services Division (ASD)

Sale of Planting Material Suspended

The Agricultural Services Division (ASD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), takes this opportunity to inform the public that the sale of planting material shall cease at all its offices (namely, St Augustine Nurseries; La Reunion Plant Propagation Station; and Marper Farm) with immediate effect, until April 15, 2020, unless otherwise advised.

The ASD apologizes for any inconvenience caused as a result but noted that the action was necessary to ensure compliance with the Government’s mitigation efforts in treating with the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Plant Quarantine (PQ) – Cargo Inspections (Air and Sea) / Export Certifications

The Plant Quarantine (PQ) Unit, Research Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), takes this opportunity to inform all importers/ brokers that with immediate effect, until Wednesday April 15, 2020, assistance will be facilitated via the following contacts:

• Telephone:- 642-0718 or 397-4495; or
• Email:- plantquarantine.centeno@gov.tt

We apologize for any inconvenience caused; however, the changes are necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Persons are also reminded to continue checking the TTBizlink system regularly for updates on the status of their cargo.

The MALF thanks you for your continued support.

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