November 8, 2024:- Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), alongside partners from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), is currently conducting critical farm visits to pig farms across Trinidad and Tobago this week to collect samples as part of its African Swine Fever (ASF) preparedness and surveillance plan. This proactive effort underscores the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the country’s pork industry and ensuring food security.
With ASF threatening swine industries in the Caribbean, these visits aim to detect any early signs of the disease, which could have severe implications for food security and local livelihoods. At the opening of the training workshop which marked the beginning of the week’s activities, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, emphasized, “Our strategic response to threats like African Swine Fever is rooted in measures that prioritize food security, farmer livelihoods, and economic stability.”
The Veterinarians and Animal health staff of the Ministry’s Animal Production and Health (APH) Division will not only be conducting surveillance activities across various local farms this week for ASF but will be continuing their surveillance efforts for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). The data and samples collected will support early detection efforts and strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s readiness against ASF and continue efforts to detect PRRS, ensuring that the nation’s pork supply chain remains secure and resilient.
This initiative highlights the Government’s leadership in safeguarding agriculture and the importance of international cooperation in addressing potential biosecurity threats. The Ministry encourages the public to stay informed and supportive of biosecurity measures, which are crucial for protecting the nation’s food resources.
For further updates on this project and its impact on the local agriculture sector, follow the Ministry’s social media channels or website agriculture.gov.tt.
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August 27, 2024:- Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – On Monday August 26, 2024, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, presented Letters of Appointment to the fourteen (14) members of the Food Security and Food Prices Committee.
The establishment of the Cabinet-appointed Committee, chaired by Ms. Nirmalla Debysingh, C.E.O. of the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO), is a significant move towards addressing the issue of rising food prices in Trinidad and Tobago and it is anticipated that the Committee would formulate effective solutions to address this growing concern.
Minister Hosein highlighted that this a pivotal step in Government’s commitment to ensuring access to affordable and nutritious food for all. He further indicated that “The challenges before us are daunting. Food inflation, exacerbated by global disruptions such as supply chain interruptions and geopolitical conflicts, has severely impacted our food security. Our reliance on imported food items, which costs us over TT$5 billion annually, further complicates this issue. This is compounded by rising global food prices and adverse weather conditions affecting agricultural productivity. The Food Prices Committee is not merely a response to these challenges but a strategic initiative to seek sustainable solutions.”
The Food Security and Food Prices Committee is comprised of experts in the fields of agriculture, economics, nutrition, trade and consumer advocacy, allowing for the multifaceted challenges posed by rising food prices to be addressed from various angles and stakeholders.
Cabinet-appointed Food Security and Food Prices Committee
Chairperson:
Ms. Nirmalla Debysingh – Chief Executive Officer, NAMDEVCO
Vice Chairperson:
Mr. Nigel Grimes – Technical Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Members:
Ms. Ava Mahabir-Dass – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry
Mr. Andy Mendez – Supervisor (Ag.), Customs and Excise Division, Ministry of Finance
Mr. Hayden Hurdle – Accountant, Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. Keisha Roberts – University of Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. Sharon D. Hutchinson – Faculty of Agriculture, University of the West Indies
Mr. Rajiv Diptee – Past President, Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago
Mr. Vernon Persad – Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago
Mr. Roger Roach – President, Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association
Mr. Kavi Panday – Chief Executive Officer, Massy Stores (Trinidad)
Ms. Siti Jones-Gordon – Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestle Trinidad and Tobago
Mr. Alpha Sennon – Agricultural Entrepreneur
Mr. Maxslon Roberts – Agricultural Entrepreneur (Tobago)
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