August 05, 2025:- Chaguanas, Trinidad – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) confirms that a single pig farm in Trinidad and Tobago has tested positive for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). PRRS is a contagious viral disease that affects pigs but poses no risk to human health. Pork remains safe for consumption and there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to people.

Following confirmation of the disease, the Ministry immediately activated its national emergency response plan aimed at containing the outbreak, supporting the affected farmer and safeguarding the long-term viability of the pork industry. The current policy guiding the Ministry’s response is focused on disease eradication at the infected farm. Plans are actively underway to operationalise a humane depopulation and carcass disposal exercise in accordance with international best practice.

Dr. Lisa Musai, Chief Veterinary Officer (Ag.), emphasises, “Our team has been working diligently to contain the outbreak and support the affected farmer while ensuring the safety of the national pork supply. We are guided by science, international best practice and a strong commitment to protecting both animal health and public confidence in the sector.”

The planned depopulation exercise will involve the humane slaughter of all pigs on the affected farm. This operation is being coordinated by the Ministry in consultation with relevant authorities and agencies to ensure that it is carried out in accordance with internationally accepted animal welfare standards. The rate and timing of depopulation will depend on the availability and suitability of a disposal site for the carcasses.

While on-site burial is the recommended method for carcass disposal, an environmental assessment determined that the affected farm is not suitable for this approach. The Ministry has since explored several alternative locations and continues to engage with key agencies to identify a viable disposal site. Inter-agency collaboration remains ongoing to support the safe and timely execution of this critical phase of the response.

During this period, the Ministry has intensified national surveillance efforts to monitor the health status of the country’s swine population. To date, 345 diagnostic samples have been collected from 36 pig farms across Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on high-density pig farming areas. Efforts are also being made to update the national pig registry and strengthen disease tracking through detailed mapping of pig farms.

Engagement with stakeholders has remained a top priority throughout the response. The Ministry continues to work directly with pig farmers, abattoirs and processors, offering veterinary guidance on biosecurity measures and animal health management. Additionally, discussions are ongoing to establish a compassionate relief framework to support affected farmers during this difficult time.

At the regional and international levels, the Ministry has engaged in technical cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and veterinary experts from the University of the West Indies (UWI) to ensure that the local response is informed by global best practice. As part of its long-term strategy, the Ministry is reviewing protocols for the importation of live animals and genetic material, exploring the feasibility of PRRS vaccination or eradication programmes and promoting sustainable herd health initiatives to build greater resilience within the pork industry.

The Ministry remains resolute in its commitment to protecting animal health, ensuring food security and supporting the well-being of livestock farmers. Through scientific collaboration, coordinated action and transparent communication, the Ministry aims not only to manage this outbreak effectively but to reinforce the foundation of a more sustainable and secure pork industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

To report suspected cases of PRRS or seek guidance, members of the public and farming community are encouraged to contact the Ministry’s PRRS Hotline at 280-7945. Updates on the situation will continue to be shared via the Ministry’s website at www.agriculture.gov.tt and through its official social media platforms.

 

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June 25, 2025:- On Tuesday 24th June, 2025, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, distributed Letters of Appointment to members of the Board of Directors of the Palo Seco Agricultural Enterprises Limited (PSAEL) during a brief ceremony held at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas.

PSAEL, a state enterprise under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, is mandated to manage and develop state lands for agricultural and other productive purposes, particularly in rural communities. The newly appointed board will be responsible for guiding the organisation’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with the Ministry’s goals for sustainable land management and national food security.

The members of the new Board of Directors are as follows:

• Danny Maharaj – Chairman
• Rajiv Chaitoo – Deputy Chairman
• Shanty Boodram – Director
• Ambereesh Ram – Director
• Neil Ramsingh – Director

In addressing the newly appointed board, Minister Ratiram congratulated the members and encouraged them to work collaboratively to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of PSAEL’s operations. He noted, “Your appointment is not just a title; it is a call to action.” Underscoring PSAEL’s role in national development, he added, “Your role is more than land management; it is about strengthening agriculture and building sustainable communities.”

The members of the board also expressed their deep sense of commitment to the organisation’s mandate and their enthusiasm to contribute meaningfully to its success. They emphasised their readiness to work together as a cohesive team to drive innovation, enhance operational performance and support the Ministry’s broader vision for a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries extends congratulations to the new Board of Directors and looks forward to a productive partnership as PSAEL continues to play a critical role in the country’s agricultural transformation.

 

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June 21, 2025: – Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 19th Meeting of the CARICOM Ministerial Taskforce (MTF) on Food Production and Food Security, held via video conference on Friday 20^th June, 2025.

The meeting, chaired by the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture, Guyana, brought together CARICOM Ministers of Agriculture and senior officials to accelerate efforts to strengthen food systems across the region through the upcoming 25 by 2025+5 programme.

Delivering his first address to the MTF, Minister Ratiram reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s full commitment to the regional food security agenda and pledged continued support for the 25 by 2025+5 goals. He expressed, “This is my maiden meeting as the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture for Trinidad and Tobago, and I am pleased to be part of this well-respected group of Ministers and technical officers. I renew our Government’s commitment to meeting the 25 by 2025+5 targets and to advancing agricultural development in the region.”

Highlighting the importance of risk mitigation for farmers, the Minister said, “We recognise the importance of mitigating risks faced by our farmers, especially weather-related impacts that threaten livelihoods and food security. He further added “Our Prime Minister, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, S.C., has underscored the importance of agricultural insurance for farmers, and it is something I take seriously. I commit to giving due consideration to the Regional Insurance Product and will seek further guidance to ensure that we are fully informed.”

Minister Ratiram praised the collaborative spirit of the forum and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing cooperation with CARICOM institutions and Member States to advance food and nutrition security across the Caribbean.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains focused on strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural capacity, expanding sustainable production and building partnerships that support the development of a modern, inclusive and resilient food system.

 

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June 17, 2025: – Yesterday (Monday 16^th June, 2025), the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) hosted the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Accountability and Agricultural Outlook Dialogue at its Head Office in Chaguanas.

The event brought together Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Delegation of the European Union; His Excellency Gustavo Pandiani, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic; senior officials from MALF; representatives from IICA and key private sector stakeholders.

This important dialogue provided a platform for sharing progress on agricultural development initiatives and discussing the outlook for food security, climate resilience and sustainable rural development in Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry acknowledges the valuable technical support and partnership provided by IICA in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.

The Ministry highlights IICA’s contribution to climate resilience efforts, including the training of MALF officers in greenhouse gas inventory management and regional early warning systems. Strategic industry development was bolstered through initiatives like queen bee rearing training and cocoa cadmium mitigation, while upgraded tools and digital platforms have improved operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making within MALF.

Minister Ratiram emphasised the importance of unity and innovation in overcoming current global challenges stating “Let us embrace the challenges before us not with fear but with creativity, solidarity and a shared determination to build a food system that is sustainable, inclusive and resilient.” He further highlighted the critical role of collaboration saying “Our success as a Ministry depends on sustained collaboration with agencies like IICA, FAO, CARDI, CRC and of course our local producers, researchers and innovators.”

Also delivering remarks at the event, Ms. Diana Francis, IICA Representative, Trinidad and Tobago, reinforced the power of meaningful partnerships in achieving results “The accomplishments shared today were only possible because of genuine collaboration, particularly with the Ministry and our partners across the sector. Working together benefits all of us, and proves that even without large budgets, technical cooperation, shared vision and human talent can drive real transformation.”

The Dialogue featured presentations from IICA representatives, diplomats and private sector stakeholders on key themes including agribusiness development, food safety, biodiversity, water management and agri-technology.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to fostering such engagements that promote transparency, cooperation and innovation towards building a robust and resilient agricultural sector for Trinidad and Tobago.

 

 

 

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May 18, 2025 :- The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) has taken another bold step towards strengthening national food security with the distribution of certified, high-yielding disease resistant rice seeds from the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The symbolic distribution ceremony took place on Tuesday 20^th May, 2025, at the Central Experiment Station, Caroni North Bank Road, Centeno. It marks a key milestone in Phase I of the Revitalization and Modernization of the Rice Industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

Under this initiative, the Ministry successfully procured 100 tonnes of high-quality rice seed from Guyana for the 2025 rice growing season. The seeds are expected to support the commercial planting of approximately 2,000 acres of land across Trinidad and Tobago. This strategic intervention is part of the Government’s commitment to reducing the national food import bill, improving local agricultural resilience and increasing rice self-sufficiency.

Delivering the feature address, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, emphasized the national significance of the initiative. “This Ministry is committed to supporting your productivity, your profitability and your peace of mind. More acreage. Higher yields. Better margins. Stronger communities. And yes, greater national food security. We must reach a point where local rice is not the exception on the shelf—it is the standard on the plate.”

The Minister credited strong regional partnerships, particularly with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), for making the initiative possible. He also acknowledged the support of National Flour Mills (NFM) in helping to create a more stable and attractive market environment for local rice farmers.

Mr. Nigel Grimes, Project Coordinator at MALF, expressed that rice is a vital staple in Trinidad and Tobago and an integral part of national food security. He expressed, “This seed distribution marks another important step. With improved seed quality, increased acreage and strong support systems, we expect clear gains in yield and productivity.”

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to building a self-reliant, data-driven and competitive rice industry. Through multi-sectoral collaboration, infrastructure support and farmer engagement, this initiative is expected to revitalize an industry that was once central to Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural economy.

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May 18, 2025:- The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) is actively responding to the ongoing adverse weather conditions impacting farmers across the country, following the Yellow Level Alert issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.

Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, is currently on the ground engaging with affected farming communities to assess the damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. These engagements form part of the Ministry’s coordinated Emergency Flood Response efforts aimed at providing targeted support to farmers and assessing the scope of agricultural damages.

MALF’s Engineering Division has mobilised teams and equipment to strategic locations including the Orange Grove Food Crop Project in Tacarigua, the Plum Mitan Project, and Aranguez South Food Basket since May 16, 2025. These teams are actively working to alleviate flooding by extracting excess water, dredging waterways, and clearing channels and tributaries to improve drainage and reduce further land damage and crop loss.

The Ministry is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, who are also providing support in various communities through additional equipment and manpower.

Minister Ratiram expressed, “It is regrettable that our farmers are facing these challenges. Our farmers are the backbone of this country’s food system and the Ministry remains committed to supporting them through this difficult time. We are doing everything possible to reduce their losses. When our farmers are affected, our national food security is also at risk.”

The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions evolve. Farmers are encouraged to remain in contact with County Extension Officers from their relevant County Offices and to report any urgent needs or challenges they may be facing.

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March  25, 2025:- The 25th Anniversary of the CARICOM Committee of Chief Veterinary Officers (CCCVOs) and the 6th Meeting of the CaribVET Steering Committee officially opened yesterday (Monday 24th March, 2025) at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, bringing together over 100 veterinary, agricultural and health experts from across the Caribbean to strengthen regional animal health and food safety systems.

Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, underscored the vital role of veterinary services in national and regional development. He used the platform to issue a stern warning to individuals involved in the illegal importation of animals, stating “those who are involved in the unlawful smuggling of animals into our country will feel the full brunt of the law. These actions not only threaten our food systems and animal health but also jeopardise the livelihoods of our citizens and public health.

Minister Hosein also emphasised the broader significance of the week’s proceedings, noting that: “This week is not only about the past 25 years—it is about shaping the next 25. We are building systems that our farmers, consumers, and future generations will depend on. Systems that will enable us to respond swiftly to a disease outbreak, negotiate trade agreements with confidence, and deliver nutritious, locally produced food to our people.”

Also speaking at the event was the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, who emphasised the importance of adopting a One Health approach across the region. “Collaboration across sectors and disciplines through a One Health approach is a vital solution for addressing the complex health challenges facing our society,” said Minister Deyalsingh. “To prevent, detect and respond to emerging health challenges, all relevant sectors must collaborate in an integrated manner to achieve together, what no sector can achieve alone.”

Dr. the Honourable Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, also addressed the gathering, stating “Always remember—we are stronger together. You, the Chief Veterinary Officers, are a vital part of the success of our regional councils. I am honoured to be here to contribute in some small measure to your deliberations. Your success is CARICOM’s success. The pathogens do not really operate in silos—neither should we. Those who analyse wildlife and animal products collaborate closely across borders—so should we.”

Also in attendance were representatives from international organisations, including the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Caribbean Agriculture Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) and the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVET). Their involvement added valuable expertise and support to discussions on animal health, food safety and regional cooperation, helping to strengthen efforts to protect agriculture and public health in the Caribbean.

The week-long event will continue with a series of technical sessions focused on animal disease surveillance, One Health approaches, emergency preparedness and capacity building activities. The programme will also include a gala and awards ceremony to honour past and present contributors to regional veterinary services.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is proud to host this significant event and remains committed to supporting the collaborative work of the CCCVOs and CaribVET in strengthening the resilience and food security of the Caribbean.

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February 8, 2025:- The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, continues to make historic investments in the agricultural sector, with the largest-ever disbursement under the Agricultural Finance Support Programme (Agro-Incentive Grant). At the Cycle 8 Cheque Distribution Ceremony on February 7, 2025, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries announced that this cycle allocated $11.2 million to 116 farmers, fisherfolk, and agro-entrepreneurs.

Since the programme’s launch in 2019, the government has provided approximately $42 million in grant funding to 435 recipients, supporting crop and livestock farmers, hydroponic and shade-house producers, agro-processors, and those in fisheries and forestry.

Delivering the feature address, the Honourable Stuart Young, S.C., Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, highlighted the role of technology in modernizing agriculture, emphasizing that innovation and efficiency will be key to the future of food security.

Also speaking at the event was the Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, who reaffirmed his Ministry’s collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in empowering young people in agriculture. Through initiatives such as shade-house farming, aquaculture, and homestead programmes, young farmers are being equipped with the skills and resources to succeed.

Minister Hosein emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries’ role extends beyond financial support, calling for increased engagement from Extension Officers to ensure that agricultural workers receive the technical expertise and guidance needed to thrive.

With over $42 million invested through the Agricultural Finance Support Programme, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to ensuring a modernized and expanding agricultural sector, strengthening food security and economic stability in Trinidad and Tobago.

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