Agrivybz 15 - Caribbean Farmers Network

A Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN) Newsletter Publication
June, 2013
Issue 15
AGRI-VYBZ
AGRI VYBZ
Page 1 of 14
Contents:
•
CaFAN holds
Multi-stakeholders
National
Consultations
•
Training Young
People on Youth
Policies
•
Memorandum of
Understanding
signed
•
CTA conducts
Impact Study
•
Buyer Grower
Forums, stories
from Jamaica and
Saint Lucia
•
CaFAN members
kick-start
PROPEL
•
CaFAN Hosts
Interns
•
Upcoming Events
Jamaica Buyer Grower Forum - participants at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel
In April 2013, the CaFAN
secretariat signed a contract
with CHF to undertake some
preparatory work for the CIDA
funded Promotion of Regional
Opportunities for Produce
through
Enterprises
and
Linkages” (PROPEL) project
work
packages
to
be
undertaken in Year 2.
These elements including
contributing
to
the
development of a Strategy for
Production
Planning
in
Jamaica, St. Lucia and St.
Vincent and the Grenadines
through: a) design and
planning of interventions, b)
production analysis focusing
principally
on
cost
of
production for targeted crops
in selected countries, c)
facilitation of grower- buyer
meetings, and d) development
of production plans.
The
results
from
these
initiatives will provide useful
information which will help to
identify
competitive
crops,
potential markets and promising
VCs to be supported by
PROPEL during Year 2.
It was part of this work package
that CaFAN staged two Buyer
Grower Forums in Jamaica and
St. Lucia on May 27th and June
10, 2013 respectively.
Part of CaFAN’s ‘approach’ is
to lobby buyers to buy more
produce and to encourage
growers to meet buyers’ needs
by way of hosting buyer grower
meetings. These meetings act
as a kind of market place where
critical areas of success are
highlighted by each side that
lead to commitment by growers
to
meet
needs/standards
identified by the buyers and
buyers
committing
to
purchasing from growers under
the conditions identified.
The
objectives
of
these
meetings were to strengthen
relationships and understanding
between buyers and producers;
work
towards
agreement
among producers, buyers and
exporters based on produce
and market availability; educate
buyers/exporters on potential
supply, and; brief farmers on
quality and standards for the
high value markets.
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CaFAN Holds Series of Multi-stakeholders National
Consultations
A series of multi-stakeholders national consultations on the
Community Agricultural Policy (CAP), Youth and Rural
Modernization (YRM) were held as part of CaFAN’s activities
to raise awareness on the CAP YRM pillar and to gain input
from multi-stakeholders which will feed into an overall action
plan to present to the Council for Trade and Economic
Development (COTED) on Agriculture for the effective
implementation of CAP YRM pillar.
The series of consultations were part of the proposed
recommendations that came from CaFAN’s Regional Policy
Forum for Youth and Rural Modernization, funded by CTA, and
held during Caribbean Week of Agriculture in October 2012 in
Antigua and Barbuda.
The countries where the consultations were held were
Antigua/Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Lucia.
These consultations encouraged discourse within the Region
on YRM policies so as to raise awareness and support from
national stakeholders, policy makers and general public and to
determine national priorities and engage key national
stakeholder groups in the debates and processes regarding
the development and implementation of CAP YRM pillar.
Some of the topics discussed during the consultations were:
the state of rural communities; Agriculture as a vehicle engine
for rural development; creating a more enabling environment
for youth in Agriculture – policies required; public private sector
partnerships; and Empowering youth to articulate, develop and
influence policy.
There were over 200 participants who attended the
consultations and were drawn from youth organizations/groups
and key stakeholders within the agricultural and rural
communities, policy makers and technocrats in Ministries of
agriculture and youth, and the general public. The media were
also represented.
Funded was made possible through the CTA through its one
year project with CaFAN which seeks to address the following
problems:
1. Limited awareness by young people of ongoing
agricultural policy issues and processes;
2. Weak capabilities of youth organisations and groups for
policy advocacy and value chain management, market
development and business development capabilities;
3. Low participation by youth in policy debates and
processes re agribusiness and value chain;
4. Poor policy enabling environment to encourage youths in
agriculture and rural development;
5. Low opportunities for participation in national and policy
development processes by youth.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS
Ensure that Research and Development is a
core component of the CAP YRM pillar;
Annual Youth in Agriculture forums should be
held to highlight specific issues which may
have surfaced;
Promotion of agribusiness and agribusiness
programmes at all levels of the education
system;
Include a Agricultural teacher rotation program
in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture
extensions program due to lack of available
teachers and school based agricultural
programs;
A youth programme geared towards offering
the young entrepreneur start-up support
including agriculture lands including a sinking
fund;
Youths need to be exposed to overseas
experiences, and be offered resources to
develop their agricultural ambitions;
Mandatory business mentorship programs for
young agriculturalist;
Government should finance infrastructure for
youth farmers as incentives;
Government must ensure that agriculture
lands are not used for any other purpose;
Youth farmers should be awarded government
scholarships to attend any reputable
agriculture tertiary institution;
Technical Agriculture Officers should be
appointed within the MOA with special
emphasis on youth Agriculture;
Incentives for young Farmers with families to
build descent housing and live on their farms
to reduce predial larceny and other loss-risk
activities;
Government should seek to implement a
regional farm insurance plan;
Increase resources of youth agricultural
programmes in existing institutions and also
encourage producers/agribusinesses to create
youth arms;
Put in place data management and analysis to
reflect importation.
Collaboration of different organizations for
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Training young leaders on “Policies for Improved Business
Efficiency in Agriculture”
CaFAN, with funding from CTA hosted
a Regional Workshop on Policies for
Improved Business Efficiency in
Agriculture for the Youth from June
19-21, 2013 in St. Vincent and the
Grenadines (SVG).
There were
approximately 50 participants who
contributed to the discussions and
final recommendations coming from
the workshop.
The two primary objectives of the
workshop
were:
to
improve
participants understanding of the
concept, factors and requirements for
improved business efficiency in
agricultural value chains; and to
articulate a common policy position,
including concrete recommendations,
for a more enabling environment for
young people in agri-business.
The workshop featured authoritative
presentations and debates on policy
dimensions of agriculture business
efficiency in various Caribbean
countries with practical experiences
and best practices with young people
initiatives,
including
removing
hindrances to youth participation in
business presented as learning cases.
From this perspective, the workshop
served as a knowledge sharing
exercise
between
youth-based
organizations from 12 Caribbean
countries.
Local and regional business analysts,
entrepreneurs, consultants, financiers
and business support houses outlined
how to reduce costs and maximize
business profitability, access finance
for prospective businesses, and
understand the regulatory framework
for doing business along agricultural
value chains.
Business analyst Dougal James,
stressed that good record keeping,
knowledge of all cost incurred by
and networking, will significantly lower
cost and maximize profitability.
In her presentation on “How to set up
and develop an agribusiness”, Erica
Mc Intosh emphasized the importance
of marketing and financing, and
stressed the importance of producing
quality products and supporting local
farmers.
She warned that financing can be the
deal maker or deal breaker in setting
up and developing an agri-business
enterprise, and that this junction
should be approached with realist and
honest business plans.
one’s
business, of
money
management,
Participants’
the regional
workshop: Photo taken during opening ceremony
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Financiers
from
local
financial
institutions were able to iron out this
perspective by outlining the services
which are available to the ‘agripreneur’
and the strategies that should be
employed in order to access adequate
funding. For instance Cerlin Russel of
the Bank of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines expressed that by Building
a relationship with one’s banker, he/she
will have a good understanding of the
entrepreneurs business needs.
Participants’ discussions
continued outside the workshop
setting
Page 4 of 14
In his presentation at the end of the
workshop, Minister of Parliament, Hon.
St. Clair Leacock, explained that the
young professionals of the region must
play
an
integral
part
in
the
regionalization of agricultural production,
and a culture of innovation and creativity
is necessary in order to implement
practical measures to accelerate the
development of agriculture in St. Vincent
and the Grenadines.
At the end of the workshop suggestions
were put forward to create policies
which CAFAN and its affiliates can use
to engage policy makers under the
youth and modernization pillar of CAP.
Among
the
recommendations,
participants expressed that venture
capitalist systems should be set up to
ease the burden on entrepreneurs,
mentorship and training should be
available to young entrepreneurs on
applying for funding,
and cohesion
among
farming
groups
organizations should be fostered.
and
Participants’ were therefore better
informed on how to enter the agribusiness sector and how to develop
entrepreneurial skills for engaging in
agri-business.
The recommendations will also be
presented to the Alliance and the
Council for Trade and Economic
Development on Agriculture (COTED) at
the upcoming Caribbean Week of
Agriculture to be held in Guyana in
October, 2013.
The workshop’s facilitator was Dr. Cleve
Scott, Lecturer at the University of the
West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
Memorandum of Understanding signed
As a follow-up to the article “U.S.A. trip offers good potential for CAFAN expansion” on page 11 of Issue 14 of
CaFAN Agrivybz newsletter, the CaFAN secretariat is pleased to inform you that a Memorandum of Understanding
was signed between the St. Vincent Cocoa Company (SVCC), a company incorporated under the Companies Act
Cap 143 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2009 with its registered office at 225
Kingstown Park Rd., Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN),
Leadership Africa USA and Alternative Marketing Access.
It was agreed that:
(1) SVCC, CaFAN and LA USA may work together
to develop a mutually acceptable sensitizing
and advertising program using media available
in St Vincent and the Grenadines to encourage
farmers, particularly women and youth, to grow
cocoa and other high value crops;
(2) SVCC, CaFAN and LA USA may share farmer
training information wherever it is expedient to
do so including the Cocoa Agroforestal Model,
Train the Trainer curriculum, costs of
production, farmer lists;
(3) SVCC, CaFAN, LA USA, and AMA will actively
encourage farmers to grow cocoa and other
crops promoted under the EATIC project during
mutually approved training activities; provide
student/youth agriculture and leadership
training and sales and marketing for
participating farmers;
(4) Each party will cover their own costs to
implement any information sharing programs
unless otherwise agreed;
(5) LA USA with consultation will attempt to raise
funds from local and international donors.
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CTA Conducts Impact Study of ACP Partners
CTA formally adopted the practice of
working through development partners
in its (first) 1997-200 Mid-Term Plan
(MTP). The MTP made the case for
CTA’s intervention in support of creating
effective ‘partnerships within ACP
national agricultural systems (NAS) as
well as between national, regional and
international sources of expertise’.
evaluations geared themselves on the
basis of CTA activities and focused
essentially on the aspect of improving
access to information and knowledge.
However, in order to strengthen future
partnerships and learn from past ones, it
was essential to have an accurate
outlook as to the capacities that exist
within ACP constituencies as well as
those that are yet to be set up.
In the Preparatory phase of the impact
study, an expert consultation took place
in Wageningen during October 29-30
2012. This meeting was attended by
one of CaFAN’s project officer, Dr Cleve
Scott who also acted as consultant
during the impact study assessment.
CaFAN’s assessment was done during
May 2013.
Findings from the assessment which
was presented in June 2013 in
Zimbabwe will help CTA and its partner
organisations and networks to benefit
from
the
in-depth
study
and
understanding of their past and current
collaboration. The findings will also feed
into the ongoing formulation of CTA’s
partnerships strategy. Partners can also
draw on the findings to revise their own
capacity development efforts and
approaches to partnerships.
The Impact study focused in particular
on the second aspect of CTA’s
mandate. CTA recognized that past
Dr Cleve Scott
The overall objective was to contribute
to learning for development impact
within CTA and its ACP partner
organisations and networks. For CTA:
The impact pathways of CTA-supported
partnership projects will be clarified and
better
understood.
For
the
organisations/networks involved: The
change they bring about and how they
bring about the change will be better
understood.
This study addressed four interrelated
elements, which together constitute the
building blocks of the impact pathways:
o Deliverables generated as direct
result of CTA’s partnership with
the organisation or network;
o Changes in the capabilities of the
partner organisations/ networks
that
were
linked
to
the
deliverables.
o Effects (outcomes/ impact) on the
partner’s direct and indirect
beneficiaries that were attributed
to either the deliverables or the
changes in the partner’s core
capabilities.
o Dynamics of the relationships
between
the
main
actors,
including CTA and the partners,
along the impact pathways
A key element which differentiated this
approach from conventional impact
studies was the assumption that the
performance of partner organisations/
networks depended to a large extent on
the state of their core capabilities.
CaFAN signed its first partnership
agreement with CTA in 2006.
Fruit Logistica 2013
Fruit Logistica is known as the World's Leading Trade Fair for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Business. It is the leading international
meeting place of the fresh produce trade with more than 2,500 companies from across the entire fresh produce value chain
participating. Held in a single location, global players as well as small and medium-sized suppliers from around the world benefit from
this grand event that takes place in February of every year in Berlin, Germany.
CaFAN had the opportunity of being represented at this event which was held from February 6-8, 2013 through its Marketing Advisor,
Mr. John Fenech-Soler. Funding was made possible through the financial support of the CHF /CIDA project PROPEL.
The main objectives of the visit to Fruit Logistica were:
1. To share information with European buyers attending the Fruit Logistica Fair on fresh produce from the Caribbean that could be
made available (or increased in volume) in the short to medium-term for European markets;
2. To promote purchase of fresh produce from the Caribbean and identify specific opportunities for purchase of Caribbean produce
by European buyers in the next six (6) months, notably from members of CaFAN; and
3. To learn from COLEACP, and share information with CaFAN and PROPEL on their planned market study which is to analyse
trends for fresh produce business in close collaboration with the main EU buyers attending the Fruit Logistica Fair.
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JAMAICA Buyer Grower Forum
CaFAN held a national Buyer Grower
Forum on May 27th, 2013 at the
Pegasus Hotel in Jamaica and brought
together over 40 persons drawn from
growers, large buyers, service providers
and financial institutions. The opening
session
was
attended
by
key
technocrats from local and international
agencies such as IICA and FAO. It was
chaired by Senator Norman Grant,
president of the Jamaica Agricultural
Society (JAS) and chairman of CaFAN.
Jethro
Greene,
CaFAN’s
Chief
Coordinator, in his opening remarks
explained that the main objective of the
Forum was to bring together buyers and
growers firstly, for the growers to
understand what the buyers needed,
and secondly, for the buyers to
understand what the growers can
produce. He also explained that he
anticipated the interaction would help
Jamaica reduce the high food import bill
through the production of quality
produce that will meet local market
demands and in the process enhance
Food Security.
Greetings were brought from the local
office of the Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA) by Vivian
Grey, Development Officer.
Grey
emphasized how farmers can exploit the
domestic as well as the export market.
He said that there is a great demand for
Jamaican produce in export markets but
to access these farmers must meet the
standards. In closing, Gray sand that
what farmers also need to do is to look
on their successes and build on it and in
so doing make Agriculture a sound
foundation.
The Forum’s Opening address was
delivered by the Honourable Roger
Clarke, Minister of Agriculture and
Fisheries, who commended CaFAN for
its continued work to strengthen
farmers’ organisations across 15
countries in the Caribbean. He assured
CaFAN of his Ministry’s continued
support. He then urged the participants
to think about how they can use local
Participants at the Buyer Grower Forum
production to reduce not necessarily
imports, but also how to increase
agricultural exports from Jamaica.
Clarke also stressed the importance of
good marketing and noted that Buyers
and Growers together can realize where
the challenges are and come to realize
how to deal these problems.
In closing, the Minister emphasized that
government was pursuing policies to
enhance food security. The National
Food Security Policy, he explained, will
be soon established to help encourage
the consumption of more local produce.
He cited the School feeding Programme
as one specific intervention that will be
coming into effect to ensure that school
children eat healthier local foods.
All involved in the forum agreed that the
forum
should be
used as
a
communication tool between buyers and
sellers in the future. To ensure this, they
called for the establishment of an annual
platform for buyers and sellers which
could climax with a buyer/grower forum.
The JAS has insisted that a forum can
form part of their Denbigh Agricultural
and Industrial Show. Denbigh is one of
the biggest agricultural shows in the
region. The JAS announced that it
would like CaFAN to assist with
organizing a follow up Buyer Grower
Forum at the Denbigh. It is hoped that
such a forum will target buyers in the
tourist belt and cruise tourism operators
including USA-based companies.
One major request from the farmers was
to have better access to facilities to
improve quality of products so that they
can access more of the Caribbean
Market through improved standards.
The farmers also anticipated accessing
markets in Europe and the US through
assistance from CaFAN.
The Champion, Dunstan Demille,
Purchasing
Manager
of
the
Consolidated Foods Limited announced
that he will be following up about the
possibility of procuring some produce
from Jamaica to supply stores in St.
Lucia.
Page 7 of 14
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ST LUCIA Buyer Grower Forum
agriculture but a lack of action geared
towards agricultural development.
Hon. Moses JN. Baptiste, Minister of
Agriculture
Some crops produced by farmers within the CaFAN Network
On Monday June 10th, 2013, over 40
representatives from producers and
buyer organisations gathered together in
the conference room of the Bay
Gardens Hotel in St. Lucia to look at
priority crops that can be produced by
farmers and supplied to buyers based
on consumer demand.
Speaking at the opening ceremony,
facilitator
Mr.
Dunstan
Demille,
Purchasing Manager at Consolidated
Foods Limited stressed the need for the
farmers and buyers to communicate a
lot better. He noted that this will help
grow businesses within the region and
in turn, depend less on extra regional
sources for our food.
Mr. Mark Remy, President of the Belle
Vue Farmers’ Cooperative spoke about
the high expectations he has of the
meeting which he noted was long
overdue.
He also noted that the
strength of a nation is the ability to
produce food to feed its people and it’s
wealth is measured by the health of its
people.
Mrs. Sariah Best-Joseph, Divisional
Head of Marketing and Corporate at
CFL highlighted some of the initiatives
CFL is involved it as they recognize
Good
Agricultural
Practices
and
Agricultural Development are important
to meeting the demand of their
customers
for
fresh
wholesome
agriculture products. She noted that
CFL’s role goes beyond just buying from
the farmers, but providing key
supporting structures that are helping in
small measure to shape the future of
agriculture in St. Lucia. She also noted
that every year they hold meeting with
farmers to share and see how to
strengthen their relationship, discuss
issues of quality demand, standards.
Jethro Greene, Chief Coordinator of
CaFAN, in his remarks relayed the
Jamaica’s experience from their recent
Buyer Grower meeting and said that
many persons who attended the
meeting including the media said it was
a breath of fresh air. He noted that once
farmers can meet the requirements of
buyers to satisfy their customer base, it
will be a good forum for agreement
between buyers and growers.
The featured address was delivered by
Hon. Moses JN. Baptiste, Minister of
Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries
and Rural Development. He stated that
farmers are part of the Private Sector
and as such should see themselves as
business persons making a meaningful
contribution to the Country’s economic
development. This will require farmer’s
to up their game. He also indicated that
the problem with agriculture is not a lack
of research and information about
At the end of the meeting, the priority
crops selected by farmers were on the
basis
of
ease
of
production,
marketability of the crop and ease of
sale.
These included: Tomatoes,
Cucurbits, Beans, Lettuce, Peppers
(Bell and seasoning), Cabbage, Musa
(spp), Pineapple, Herbs, Papaya, Root
crops and Eggplant.
Buyers
which
comprised
the
Consolidated Foods Limited, St. Lucia
Marketing Board and purchasing
managers from various hotels across St.
Lucia identified as priority crops were
Root crops, Tomato, Carrots, Cabbage
(Green and red), Cantaloupe, honey
dew and watermelon, Bell peppers,
Citrus, Pineapple, Romain lettuce,
Yellow
Squash,
Broccoli,
and
Cauliflower.
While there were gaps between priority
crops amongst farmers and buyers, one
has to understand that the way in which
farmers spread risk is to grow a wide
variety of crops for a wide cross-section
of buyers. These gaps were a reminder
as well that some of the major crops
buyers’
current
demand varies.
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Page 8 of 14
Highlights from Multi-Stakeholders National Consultations
Grenada
The consultation took place on April 9th 2013 at the
National Stadium in Grenada and was facilitated by Mr.
Roderick St. Clair. There were a total of 61 participants
which included youths and agricultural stakeholders. The
sessions were facilitated by Mr. Roderick St. Clair.
Mr Evans Gooding, President North East Farmers
Organisation expressed thanks to CTA and CAFAN for
having Grenada host such an important consultation.
Gooding also thanked the NEFO for coordinating the event.
He further presented the motto and mission of NEFO which
were to strengthen the capacity of farmers to improve their
lively hood and to improve the quality of life of farmers and
their families in St. George’s North East constituency –
Rural Agriculture community.
In his remarks, Gooding emphasized the need to
encourage youth to be part of the Agriculture process. He
said, “They are the next generation; there are tremendous
benefits to be derived from involvement in Agriculture.”
He encouraged participants to take advantage of the CTA
magazine, Spore which provides a lot of insight into
agriculture in the ACP regions. He urged the young people
present to utilize technology to modernize agriculture and
highlighted CTA’s commitment to young people in
Agriculture. He also noted that NEFO got training in social
media from the CTA including a visit to Santo Domingo to
learn new information and techniques.
education, training, new agricultural techniques and ICT all
play a major role in the modernization of agriculture.
Hon. Emmalin Pierre, Minister for Youth, Sports and
Ecclesiastic Affairs noted that the Grenadian
Government’s has a responsibility to enable the facilitation
for youth empowerment. There must be a political will to
facilitate this which our government is fully committed to
promoting with significant emphasis being placed on small
business development to the youth.
Senator, Simon Stiell, Parliamentary Secretary in the
Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, fisheries, Lands and
the Environment noted that the Grenadian Government is
committed to the sustainable development of the agri-food
sector in Grenada and recognizes the critical role that
agriculture plays in the agenda for moving forward with the
new economy. He noted further that we need to move away
from our thinking that agriculture is a primitive industry and
recognize that science and technology is critical to creating
and developing a productive and competitive sector.
Antigua and Barbuda
Highlights were also made of the importance of the concept
of “eat what you grow and growing what you eat” so as to
reduce/eradicate
the
increasing
levels
of
noncommunicable diseases which is on the increase in
Grenada.
He ended by pleading to the youths to get more actively
involved in addressing the issue of self-sustainability
through agriculture so as to empower themselves today
while at the same time creating a legacy for the coming
generations.
Ms Dilly-Ann Bartholomew- Caribbean Agriculture
forum for Youth (Grenada Chapter) noted that investment
in the development of youth ensures that they can play an
active role in agricultural developments. Investments in
The consultation took place at the Point Wharf Fishes
Conference. It brought together youths from secondary
schools in Antigua/Barbuda, TFPC, ABAFY, ABKA,
CARDC, the Nyabinghi, Theocracy and DYA. The sessions
also attracted members of civil society, namely NDF,
Employers Federation, along with officials from the MOA.
The opening session was chaired by Mr. Acres Stowe, of
the Antigua Employers Federation.
Mr. Stowe in his
opening remarks highlighted the fact that in February, 2013
a cross-section of representatives, from local, regional and
Page 9 of 14
AGRI-VYBZ
international agencies, signed an Memorandum Of
Understanding for the Zero Hunger Challenge – which
seeks to provide 100 per cent, year-round access to
adequate food; ensure that there are zero stunted children;
create sustainable food systems and 100 per cent growth in
small-holder productivity and income; and eliminate food
wastage.
Dominica
He indicated that the goal is to achieve the objectives of the
project in two years but wondered whether Agriculture had
been afforded the deserved priority, particularly in our
education system to achieve that goal.
Mrs. Roberta Williams – Director of GARDC delivered
the welcome and opening remarks. Mrs. Williams reminded
the youths that they are the entrepreneurs of tomorrow and
that the rebuilding of our economy rest heavily upon them.
Mr. Jediah Maxime – Director of Agriculture delivered
the feature address. He pledged the support of the Minister
of Agriculture, Hon Hilson Baptist and that of his ministry as
alliance partners in forging strong links with TFPC, CaFAN
to support youth development in agriculture. He further
stated that his ministry is aware of the need to focus on
creating and enabling youth, gender and rural
modernization as a key pillar in constructing a viable
agriculture sector. He announced that, his ministry has
already embarked on several programs and as such are in
full support of
programs geared towards youth
development in agriculture, he then postulated that the
ministry of agriculture applauds CaFAN’s initiative in
hosting this national consultation as a vehicle to promote
and sensitized young people about their role as tomorrow’s
business sector service providers. Director Maxime
congratulated CaFAN’s approach to listen and for stepping
up to the task of carving a way forward for youths in
agriculture.
Ms. Pamella Thomas, the national consultant gave an
over view of the objectives of the consultation and advised
the participants to engage in critical thinking and to
capitalize on the opportunity here afforded them over the
two day session. She urged them to formulate and
construct their views and desired outcome of the direction
in which they need to propel their agriculture sector. They
were reminded to concentrate on creating an enabling
environment for Youth in Agriculture through their eyes to
see Agriculture as the engine for growth and rural
development. She cautioned them however, that the pillars
they lay today will determine the strength of the structure
they build for themselves and their children’s children. They
were admonished to seize the moment as opportunity may
only knock once.
The opening ceremony was covered by ABS Radio and
Television and The Daily Observer Radio.
Dominica’s consultation was held at the Fisheries Division
th
Conference Room on Wednesday 17 of April 2013. It was
facilitated by Dr. Nadia Anselm-Pacquette and brought
together over 30 technicians and young persons from the
Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Youth and Academia.
The opening session was held at the Conference room of
the Fisheries Division on the Bay Front in Roseau,
Dominica. The day’s proceedings were chaired by Mr. Kent
Coipel, IICA Technical Specialist. In his introductory
remarks, he expressed optimism for the consultation, which
will allow young people to identify opportunities that will
intern motivate them to get involved in agriculture. “After
today, we should have identified some of the opportunities
that will attract young people to Agriculture as well as to
retain those already engaged in agriculture,” he said.
He further noted that during the consultation, participants
will identify capacity development needs to ensure that the
potential benefits are maximized through the opportunities
identified at the consultation. “We would also like to ensure
that we outline some mechanisms specifically for the youth
in agriculture, to ensure that when they get engaged, they
can sustain the opportunities,” Coipel concluded.
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Representative, Mr. Ricky
Brumant, and Director noted the following:
• CAP’s strategy is to strengthen the region’s
agricultural production base in order to reduce the
level of food imports, enhance food security, reduce
poverty in the region, while enabling required for
attracting private sector investment.
• CAP is built upon five pillars: food and nutrition
security, production, trade and value chains, natural
resources, youth and rural modernization and
agriculture knowledge and information.
AGRI-VYBZ
Dr Nadia Anselm-Paccquette, Consultatnt (standing);
Sitting: Mr. Kent Coipel, Dr. Vivian Moise, Mr. John Roach
and Mr. Richy Brumant
•
Mr. Roach further stated that the CAP draft
document indicates that the agricultural sector
continues to be an important contributor to Growth
Domestic Product (GDP) in many member states.
“The
document
indicates
that
agriculture
percentage contribution to total national GDP is
almost 1/5 for Dominica and for the region as a
whole, the agriculture sector share of total GDP is
US $1.6 billion,” he stated.
National Pineapple Association (NIPPA) President: Dr.
Vivian Moise spoke on the following:
• Made reference to the term “Agripreneurs” and that
the term gives a broader view, not only primary
producers but beyond into value addition.
•
•
Agriculture is important to us for future generations,
it has implications as it relates to food security,
employment creation
•
He expects the young people to be the focus of this
forum. It will guide the policy makers to ensure that
you work in a friendly in a friendly environment.
Jamaica
While today’s forum will focus on one of the five
pillars; youth and rural modernization, Mr. Brumant
noted that policies should not be implemented
without the active participation of youth. “To include
youth on the discussion of policy is very relevant at
this point in time. The Dominica State College
(DSC) seems to be the nest in which we have
future agriculturist and people that will be part of
the process, in terms of careers that will push the
progression of agriculture as well. We must set the
stage for youth to take action, participate and
work,” he stated.
Youth Development Division Chief Youth Development
Officer: Mr. John Roach spoke on the following:
• He is confident in the youth’s potential to provide
“critical
thinking
and
sound
policy
recommendations,” for the development of
agriculture and any other sector.
•
Page 10 of 14
We have failed to place urgent emphasis on youth
in agriculture over the years. He further expounded
that young people, the future of agriculture is in
your hands.
LR: Arthur Greene, Sen. Norman Grant, Stacy Rose-Richards,
Dwayne Gutzmer and Colin Woodham
The consultation took place on Monday May 20th, 2013 and
was attended by a total of 45 participants which included 26
males and 19 females. It was facilitated by Mrs. Stacy
Rose-Richards.
The opening session was chaired by Mr. Arthur Green
from the Kevoy Community Development Institute
(KCDI). He brought welcome remarks to the participants
and introduced the members of the head table. He sought
to outline the Community Agriculture Policy (CAP) to the
participants and the role of the Caribbean Farmers Network
(CAFAN) in the formulation of the policy and subsequent
consultations in other territories. He also highlighted the
challenges with youth and the purpose of the consultation in
proposing solutions to some of the identified problems.
Mr. Colin Woodham brought greetings from the Jamaica
4-H Clubs in place of their Executive Director, Mr. Ronald
Blake, who was unable to attend. Mr. Woodham gave a
history of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, which was mainly
established to influence and train youth to pursue careers in
agriculture. He mentioned their School Gardens
Programme which is geared at assisting in the appreciation
of the sector, with an emphasis on sustainable
development. The added element of agro-processing is
Page 11 of 14
AGRI-VYBZ
emphasized in order for them to reap greater rewards. He
applauded the effort of the consultation and purported that
those who cannot feed themselves will be slaves to those
who can feed them. He also congratulated the organizers of
the workshop in furtherance of efforts to make Jamaica
food secure.
Senator Norman Grant brought opening remarks on behalf
of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) and CAFAN.
He noted the JAS’ and 4-H Clubs’ efforts in mobilizing
support among youth for the workshop.
Senator Grant highlighted the vision and mission of the
CAP and reckoned that the Region needs to engage in this
process. He asserted that the Region needs to be seen as
one land mass in which we are all connected, thereby
having one united front. This is necessary for greater
connectivity of agriculture in the region.
He purported that policies cannot be developed for the
agriculture sector without the inclusion of youth. He also
used the platform to advocate for the introduction of
agriculture at the basic school level. Technology is
important and makes for easier interaction, and will make it
better for moving agriculture forward.
Mr. Dwayne Gutzmer brought greetings on behalf of the
CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme to the
participants. His presentation emphasized the need to
change the way that agriculture is depicted, from being
highly labour intensive to more technologically driven. He
noted that agriculture must be appealing and attractive to
stir the interest of young people. He looks forward to the
modernization of the sector and “eating what we grow”. Mr.
Gutzmer gave his commitment on behalf of the Youth
Ambassadors in supporting this initiative and others that
may arise, to mobilize youth for agriculture.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s national multi-stakeholders consultation was
held on Tuesday June 11th, 2013 at the Sir Arthur Lewis
Community College. It brought together over 30 youth
participants as well as participants from all sectors that are
influenced by and who contribute to agriculture or youth
development. The participants were encouraged to bring
forward the issues, which they have identified affect
agriculture and to suggest ways in which the identified
issues can be dealt with.
The opening session was chaired by Ms. Cherry Anne
Smith, agriculture extension officer with the Ministry of
Food Production, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural
Development. In her introductory remarks, Ms. Smith
highlighted that the Importance of such a forum and the
need for youth to become more proactive in the national
development
issues
especially
agriculture.
She
commended CaFAN for the initiative and suggested that
more such forums should be organized so as to create a
mechanism to collect and present youth ideas on national
development.
Mr. Jethro Greene, Chief Coordinator of the Caribbean
Farmers Network (CaFAN) gave the welcome address in
which he emphasized the importance of farmers working
together so as to improve their efficiency and profitability.
He stressed the need for data sharing and the participation
of youth in the sector. He also gave a brief overview of
some of the work being done by CaFAN and cited the
Buyers Growers meeting which took place the preceding
day as the type of activities that can only help to strengthen
the sector.
Hon Moses Jn Baptiste, Minister of Food Production,
Agriculture, fisheries and Rural Development, delivered
the opening remarks in which he outlined some of his
government’s plans for the
agriculture sector and how
youth participation is one of the
highlights. Hon. Jn Baptiste
spoke specifically about the
Youth in Agriculture Program
(YAP), in which young persons
have been selected and given
assistance by the government
to
begin
their
agri
–
enterprises. The assistance
comes in the form of: land,
greenhouses, business training
and technical support. The
expectation of this project is to
get more young person’s participating in the sector with a
business focus. He also spoke of the enhanced school
feeding program in which schools will be mandated cook
and buy more locally grown foods, so as to ensure that
students are eating healthier. This he stated will create
more opportunities for farmers, as it will create an
expanded market.
Kurt Harris the SLAFY President gave the overview of the
proceedings and the closing remarks where he reminded
the participants of the importance of the forum and the need
for there to be open and frank discussions. He stressed that
this was not an forum for complaining but one through
which youth could have a voice and challenged the
participants to come up with clear ideas as to what they
wanted reflected in the CAP YRM Policy.
AGRI-VYBZ
Page 12 of 14
CaFAN members Kick-start PROPEL
produce (a key requirement of
the supermarkets).
Jamaica
On 7th March, 2013, Christiana Potato
Growers Cooperative Association Ltd
signed a Sub-Project Agreement with
CHF in collaboration with CaFAN.
This agreement represents an initial
stage of support for CPGCA. The
support to be provided by PROPEL
was based on an Application for
Assistance (AA) submitted by CPGCA
to PROPEL in November, 2012.
Through this support, PROPEL will
assist with upgrading of CPGCA’s
post-harvest facility at Coleyville,
Manchester, Jamaica. CPGCA has
leased the facility and has already
carried out some upgrading, including
installation of anti-vector meshing to
the main doors. The facility has since
been approved for use by Jamaica
Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)
and the Plant Quarantine Division of
Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries. However, the facility still
needs some additional equipment
upgrading for effective startup.
This support is being provided now
because CPGCA has been actively
seeking out private sector buyers for
its high value fresh produce. Price
Mart supermarket currently purchases
potatoes from CPGCA and Mega Mart
has also indicated its interest in
purchasing from the facility. However,
without the support identified in
CPGCA’s AA, CPGCA will not be able
to:
Enhance linkage between producers
and buyers;
• Facilitate continuous supply of
produce to major customers
(e.g.
Jamaican
supermarkets), and;
• Facilitate batch processing
using conveyor belts, which
will enhance traceability of
The expected results arising from
these investments are as follows:
• Long-term Result:
Enhanced capacity of producers
to meet high-value market
quality, quantity and safety needs
•
Short to Medium Term Results:
At least 500 farmers will be able
to sell their produce through the
Colleyville facility within six
months of signing of this
Agreement; and
Produce being sold to two
Jamaican supermarkets will be
increased by 150%, from 4,000
pounds per week to 10,000
pounds per week.
St. Vincent and the
Grenadines
In April 2013, CHF signed a SubProject Agreement with the Eastern
Caribbean Trading Agriculture and
Development Organisation (ECTAD)
located in St. Vincent and the
Grenadines in collaboration CaFAN.
Since 2005, ECTAD has been
marketing roots and tubers to buyers
in the UK. This relationship between
UK buyers and ECTAD has led to
increased orders of roots and tubers.
As such, the PROPEL Sub-Project
Agreement with ECTAD seeks to
increase the number of containers of
roots and tubers exported by ECTAD
which will increase the purchase from
farmers.
The Sub-Project Agreement will
provide assistance to ECTAD to
provide inputs such fertilizers to its
members to ensure a more high
quality is achieved for its export
market while generating a surplus that
will allow members to expand and
sustain supplies for its overseas
market. It will also provide a better
standard of living for its farmers.
It is expected that the assistance will
help increase volumes of exports to
high-value markets in the UK over the
long-term.
The main activities provided by the
Agreement are to (1) Support for
personnel including a marketing
coordinator, project coordinator, and
production clerk and six farmers’
counterparts; and (2) Investments
which includes the purchase of
fertilizers, field crates, boxes, scales
and wash tubs.
ECTAD Export Status
Over the past three months, ECTAD
has seen an increase in the quality
and quantity of produce that has been
exported to the international market,
i.e. United Kingdom. Shipment has
increase significantly to an almost
weekly basis. Data has revealed a
73% increase during the period April
to July in 2013 as compared to the
same period in 2012.
Through its Crop Production and
Marketing Programme along with
timely
information
provided
by
farmers’ counterparts, the list of
commodities for shipment continues to
grow and has expanded to include
plantains, pumpkin, ginger and sweet
potatoes along with continued export
of dasheens.
Both agreements are part of the
support provided by the Canadian
International Development Agency
(CIDA)
funded
Promotion
of
Regional Opportunities for Produce
through Enterprises and Linkages
(PROPEL).
AGRI-VYBZ
Page 13 of 14
CaFAN hosts Interns
Two interns joined the team at the CaFAN Secretariat, the Eastern Caribbean Trading Agriculture and Development
Organisation (ECTAD) located in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as part of a youth programme aimed at giving young
University graduates experiences working in the field of development.
The two interns, Patrick Delle Palme and Christophe Carabin, arrived in the country during the first week in June 2013 for a
six month and six weeks internship respectively.
Patrick Delle Palme, a young Canadian arrived on the island as part of the COADY International Youth Internship
Programme which is sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through the COADY, St.
Francis Xavier University.
CaFAN and COADY have been working together since 2008 where Canadian interns have benefited from work experience
at the CaFAN Secretariat. These stories are highlighted in past issues of Agrivybz newsletters.
About the Interns
Patrick Delle Palme grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. He graduated with a double
major in Development Studies & Political Science from St. Francis Xavier
University. His expectation of the internship programme is to make the most of
his time with CaFAN by learning about agriculture and the issues farmers face
in the Caribbean. Patrick embraces the opportunity to apply his abilities and
experience to the mandate of CaFAN; while building on his own skillset and
gaining practical experience in the development field.
Christophe Carabin
Patrick Delle Palme
Christophe Carabin is from Guadeloupe and is a current student of Montpellier
SupAgro
(Engineering
school,
France),
specializing
in
Tropical
Agriculture/Agro-processing and Agro-business system. The main purpose of
this internship with the CaFAN Secretariat is to allow for him to put into practice
the knowledge he has acquired during his course at the Montpellier SupAgro
Institute. Christophe’s main expectation is to learn as much as possible about
Agriculture in St. Vincent and to dialogue with various stakeholders in the food
system (farmers, agro-food, large distribution).
AGRI-VYBZ
Upcoming Events
Page 14 of 14
•
Caribbean Blog Training
CTA Agriculture Rural Development and Youth in the
Information Society (ARDYIS) Blog Training and Exhange
Workshop: July 27 to 31st, 2013 at the University of the West
Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
This innovative training exercise is a component of the CTA’s
ARDYIS project, which is expected to raise the awareness of
youth on the issues of agricultural and rural development for
African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries as well as
raise their capacity on ICT use for agricultural and rural
development.
Guyana National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
CaFAN has been advocating for more inclusion of youth and
women in agriculture related programmes as part of its overall
strategic framework. Most recently, it has advocated for a
Youth and Rural Modernization (YRM) pillar in the Community
Agricultural Policy (CAP).
•
To improve understanding of specific policy
instruments (laws, regulations, services, incentives,
etc.) that can be used to attract and favour youthbased initiatives along agricultural value chains;
To reinforce group dynamics between Caribbean
youth organizations/groups for the development and
implementation of CAP Youth and Rural
Modernization pillar at national level.
Launch of the YoBloCo Awards
The YoBloCo Awards will be launched during the Caribbean
Week of Agriculture in Guyana in October 2013. The launch
will be preceded by a one-hour panel exchange on the Use of
ICT by youth in ARD. An exhibition on publications on youth,
ICT and agriculture (publications by CTA, CAFAN, and other
partners; video and pictures from previous activities, posters)
will be also displayed. Media workers as well as youths from
Guyana and selected Caribbean will attend that event.
CONTACT US
In 2012, CaFAN’s efforts to propel the YRM pillar received
financial support from CTA for a one year project with an
overall objective of contributing to the design and effective
implementation of YRM with a special focus on youth policies.
Multi-stakeholders national consultations have already taken
place in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica
and St. Lucia.
The main objectives of the multi-stakeholders national
consultations are:
• Encourage discourse within the Region on youth and
rural modernization policies
so as to raise
awareness and support from national stakeholders,
policy makers and the general public; and
• Determine national priorities and engage key national
stakeholder groups in the debates and processes
regarding the development and implementation of
CAP Youth and Rural Modernization pillar.
Caribbean Farmers Network
C/o Eastern Caribbean Trading Agriculture
and Development Organization (ECTAD)
Beachmont, P.O. Box 827, Kingstown
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
cafancaribbean@gmail.com or cafanectad@gmail.com.
www.caribbeanfarmers.org
Tel: (784) 453-1004
Fax: (784) 453-1239
Regional Study Tour
CaFAN will host a regional Study Visit on Youth Initiatives,
Lessons and Best Practices in Policies regarding agricultural
production and marketing of agriculture produce: October,
Guyana, 2013.
The main objectives of the Study Visit are:
• To improve participants’ knowledge of how
successful policies and programmes for the youth
are developed and implemented, taking into account
their interests and characteristics;
This document has been produced with the financial
assistance of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural
Cooperation (CTA ACP_EU)
The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect
the official opinion of CTA