MALF renews MOU with Plantwise T&T

 

24th October 2023:-  The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) is pleased to announce the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Plantwise T&T, an agricultural initiative focused on improving crop health and livelihoods in developing countries. The signing ceremony took place earlier today (Tuesday, October 24, 2023) at the corporate headquarters of the Ministry in Chaguanas.

The renewal of this MOU signifies a strengthened partnership between MALF and Plantwise T&T, highlighting the Government’s dedication to supporting the Plantwise Programme. By extending the agreement, the Ministry acknowledges the significant contributions that Plantwise T&T has made to improve crop health, safeguard food security and enhance the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Trinidad and Tobago.

Representing the Ministry was the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh and Permanent Secretary (MALF), Mr. Farook Hosein. Plantwise T&T was represented by Dr. Yelitza Colmenarez, Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) Brazil Centre Director & Plantwise Regional Coordinator for Latin America and Caribbean.

At the signing ceremony, Minister Singh expressed the Ministry’s gratitude to CABI for its commitment to the Programme. He stated, “The renewal of the MOU reaffirms the collaborative efforts of Plantwise T&T and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in our shared goal of enhancing crop health and supporting the small-scale farming community. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we continue to create a meaningful impact on the agricultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Plantwise Programme, run by CABI, aims to provide plant health advisory services to small-scale farmers, equipping them with vital knowledge and resources to protect their crops from pests and diseases. The establishment of plant clinics staffed by trained plant doctors has proven to be an essential component of the programme, allowing farmers to seek guidance and receive solutions for their crop health issues.

Under the renewed MOU, the MALF will continue to support the expansion of Plantwise T&T’s network of plant clinics, ensuring that plant health services are readily available to all farmers across the country. Additionally, the Ministry’s assistance will enable Plantwise T&T to reach a broader audience of farmers and further contribute to food security and the improved livelihoods of our valuable food producers.

 

 

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