29th September, 2023:- The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) is proud to announce a revolutionary step in farmer training courses with the introduction of a new, flexible, online learning model. The Extension Training and Information Services Division (ETISD) within the Ministry has successfully launched two asynchronous courses on its Moodle platform, marking a significant milestone in agricultural education.
The official launch took place on Friday 22nd September, 2023, at the Farmer’s Training Centre and was attended by esteemed guests including MALF staff and some 23 graduates of an inaugural asynchronous course in Pepper Sauce Demonstration.
“This new, flexible, online learning model represents a transformative shift in how we provide training and support to our farmers,” said Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. “By embracing technology and offering courses on the Moodle platform, we are empowering farmers to access educational resources at their convenience, enabling them to enhance their skills and contribute to the growth of our agricultural sector.”
Mrs. Coomarie Goolabsingh, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the MALF, also expressed her enthusiasm for the new initiative, stating, “The introduction of asynchronous courses through the Moodle platform is a testament to our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our farmers. We understand the demands they face, and this flexible learning model allows them to balance their work responsibilities while acquiring valuable knowledge and skills. It is a significant step forward for our Ministry and the agricultural community as a whole.”
The Ministry’s ETISD understands the unique challenges and demands faced by farmers. By offering online courses that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, the Ministry has tailored its training services to suit the needs of farmers. This innovative learning model recognizes the importance of respecting farmers’ work schedules and responsibilities while empowering them to acquire new skills and enhance their knowledge in the field of agriculture.
The introduction of the Moodle platform has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Its user-friendly interface and interactive features ensure that learners can navigate course content effortlessly, actively participate in discussions, and receive timely feedback from facilitators. The flexible online learning model not only enhances the learning experience but also provides an opportunity for farmers to connect and collaborate with their peers, fostering a supportive and vibrant community.
To further expand the reach of this groundbreaking initiative, the MALF will be advertising upcoming asynchronous courses on its website and the ETISD Facebook page. Farmers and agricultural enthusiasts are encouraged to stay informed about these announcements and join the agricultural education revolution today!
The Ministry’s online learning model represents a significant milestone in transforming the delivery of farmer training courses. By leveraging technology and embracing modern teaching methodologies, the Ministry is driving innovation within the agricultural sector and the public service as a whole.
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Workshop on the International Movement of Wood and Wood Products –
Import/Export into T&T
Deputy Director of Research (Ag.), Deanne Ramroop presenting to participants at the Workshop
The Research Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, (MALF) conducted a Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Thursday 14th, 2019 on the International Movement of Wood and Wood Products through the system of Imports/Exports into Trinidad and Tobago.
A key takeaway from the event, was the requirement by persons to obtain a plant import permit (IP); and a Phytosanitary Certificate before they can import wood or wood products into this country. Meanwhile, persons who wish to export from Trinidad and Tobago, must meet the entry conditions of the country they are exporting to, as they will also be required to produce an import permit.
Participants were also informed that in keeping with international best practice, Trinidad and Tobago must apply the Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) to determine the phytosanitary import requirements for quarantine pests associated with international movement of wood. Additionally, other phytosanitary measures should be put in place as it relates to, managing the pest risk related to wood, including bark removal, treatment, chipping and inspection.
Deputy Director of the Research Division, Deanne Ramroop said that there are several steps to be followed for the importation of wood and wood products. These include:
- Application forms for Import Permit (IP). This can be obtained at the Plant Quarantine (PQ) Offices at Point Lisa’s, St. Augustine and Centeno
- Or visit http://www.ttconnect.gov.tt to sign up for a ttconnect ID.
https://www.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/html/HowToRegister.html to complete the registration process.
Log in to http://www.ttbizlink.gov.tt to apply for your Plant Import Permit.
The online service was created by the Ministry of Trade via its Single Electronic Window (SEW) – TTBizLink platform. - Once an import permit is issued, it will detail the phytosanitary conditions under which the wood and wood products would be allowed entry into Trinidad and Tobago.
- The information on the IP will specify the items to be imported, the country of origin, the expiry date and any special conditions that may be required.
- To import, the IP must be sent to the exporter to confirm that the exporter complies with the conditions of entry into T&T.
The one day interactive workshop was attended by approximately twenty-five (25) persons comprising of importers, exporters and brokers. It also bought clarification to attendees on a number of related issues.
Note: A Phytosanitary Certificate is required for the entry of commodities into Trinidad and Tobago. It’s an official document issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country to the plant protection organization of the importing country; the certificate indicates that consignments are met as specified by phytosanitary import requirements.
For further Information please contact the MALF– Research Division: Tel: 646-4334/7 Email: fpresearch@fp.gov.tt or comms.malf@gov.tt
Agriculture Ministry facilitates Emergency Response
Training for Staff
November 13th, 2019:
Speaking at the opening of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Workshop. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ms. Coomarie Goolabsingh said, “Without effective policy guidelines in place for preparedness, and a proper plan of action for the agriculture sector; natural disasters will continue to severely impact our twin island state, and anything that negatively affects agriculture needs to be addressed immediately.”
The Deputy Permanent Secretary added, that because of this country’s vulnerability to climate change and its impact; such training was timely, as the as it aligns to the foundational and overarching Government policies embodied in Vision, 2030. …Theme V states…Placing the Environment at the Centre of Social and Economic Development
The CERT Workshop was facilitated by MALF’s Agricultural Planning Division in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS). The initiative came about as a result of the need for the Agriculture Ministry to develop a co-ordinated Disaster Risk Management (DRM) plan for the agricultural sector, following the extensive flooding in 2017 and 2018 which severely affected several of the nation’s food producers. It was initiated by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Clarence Rambarath in collaboration with both the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
The Disaster Risk Management Plan will seek broadly to achieve the following objectives:
Improved Preparedness; Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening of the
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Sectors in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change Adaption (CCA); Increased Sustainability of Livelihoods by Building Resilience; and Risk Identification and Information, Communications Strategy and Early Warning Systems (EWS).
The workshop was attended by persons comprising staff volunteers from the Ministry’s Regional Administration North, Regional Administration South, Animal Production and Health, Engineering and Research Divisions. Its overall objective was to educate persons about disaster preparedness in their area whilst also providing basic training in disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organisation, and disaster medical operations.
The three (3)-day Training Workshop was scheduled to run from 13th – 15th November, 2019 at the Sugar Cane Feeds Centre in Longdenville.
