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Youth In Agriculture Regional Workshop
“Youths in Building Agriculture as a Viable and Sustainable
Business”
January 25th - 28th, 2010 Grenada Grand Beach Resort, Grenada
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This report has been prepared with the Financial Assistance of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and
Rural Cooperation (CTA), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The views express herein are
those of the workshop and in no way reflect the official opinion of CTA and CDB.
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LIST OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN) would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their
financial and technical support towards its Youth in Agriculture Workshop namely:
• Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural cooperation (CTA) (ACP_EU)
• The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• The Marketing and National Importing Board of Grenada (GMNIB)
CaFAN also would like to thank the people and Government of Grenada for hosting the workshop.
Special thanks to:
• Honourable Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister of Grenada
• Honourable Michael Let, Minister for Agriculture Forestry and Fishers
• Honourable Patrick Simmons, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports
• Staff and Management of the Marketing and National Importing Board Pack house
• North East Farmers Organisation
• Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association
• Brendon James
• Betrand John,
• Belmont Estate
Special thanks to the Workshop Coordinating Team and contributors
• Fitzroy James
• Heiko Bammann
• Henry Mangal
• Jethro Greene
• Keeley Holder
• Norman Grant
• Nyasha Durrant
• Roderick St. Clair
• Shari Niles
• All Participants, Presenters and Participating organizations
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements …………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………… 3
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
List of Abbreviations …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Participating Countries ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Executive Summary …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Workshop background………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Workshop outline ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS
Welcome Remarks ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………. 11
SUMMARY OF PRESENTATIONS
CARUTA Recent Case Studies 2009 ……………………………………………………………………………………….…… 14
Youth, Agriculture and Entrepreneurship; Experiences from the Pacific Islands ………………….…… 15
Role of clusters/farmer groups and networking in developing agriculture ………………………….…… 16
Experiences from the Field ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… 17
Agriculture in the 21st
Century: Not business as usual ………………………………………………………...….… 20
Effective Crop Production, Planning and Marketing …………………………………………………………..……… 21
Accessing credit …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……
Developing profitable enterprises: avoiding the major pitfalls of young business ……………………… 21
Protected Agriculture: Pros & Cons……………………………………………………………………………………………… 23
Developing national follow-up activities for support …………………………………………………………..……… 24
Planning the Way Forward ……………………………………………………………………………………………….………… 26
EVALUATION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 28
Participant Report……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 31
APPENDICES
Agenda/Programme ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 32
List of Participants ……………………………………………………………………………….………………………………… 34
Evaluation Summary ……………………………………………………………………………….………………………………… 37
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ACP African, Caribbean and Pacific
ASTT Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago
BAS Barbados Agriculture Society
CABA Caribbean Agri Business Association
CaFAN Caribbean Farmers Network
CARDI Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute
CARICOM Caribbean Community
CARUTA Caribbean Regional Unit for Technical Assistance
CDB Caribbean Development Bank
CIDA Canadian International Development Agency
CPGCA Christiana Potato Growers Cooperative Association
CSME CARICOM Single Market and Economy
CTA Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
ECTAD Eastern Caribbean Trading Agriculture and Development Organisation
EPA Economic Partnership Agreement
EU European Union
FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
FTAA Free Trade Area of the Americas
GAP Good Agriculture Practices
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GMC Guyana Marketing Corporation
GRPA Guyana Rice Producers Association
IICA Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
ICT Information & Communication Technology
JAS Jamaica Agriculture Society
MNIB Marketing and National Importing Board
NEFO North East Farmers Organisation
OECS Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
WTO World Trade Organisation
UN United Nations
UNDP United Nations Development Fund
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Participating organizations
Antigua &
Barbuda *Team Fresh Produce Cooperative
*Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum for Youth in Agriculture
*Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Centre
Barbados *Barbados Agriculture Society
Belize *Orange Walk Farmers Organization
Dominica *National Association of Youth in Agriculture
*North Eastern Youth Council
Grenada *Clozier Youth Farmers Cooperative
*Grenada Agriculture Forum for Youth
*Grenada Marketing and National Importing Board
*Grencoda
*North East Farmers Organisation
Guyana *Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association
*Guyana Rice Producers’ Association
*Region Ten Farmers Association
Jamaica *Christiana Potato Growers Association Ltd
*Jamaica Agricultural Society
St. Kitts
and Nevis *Nevis Growers Cooperative
*St. Kitts Cooperative Society Limited
St. Lucia *Bank of St. Lucia
*Belle Vue Farmers Cooperative Society Limited
*Women Network
St. Vincent *Eastern Caribbean Trading Agriculture and Development Organisation
Trinidad &
Tobago *Agriculture Society of Trinidad and Tobago
*Mt. St. Georges Farmers Association
*Tobago Agricultural Society
Regional/
International: *Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute
*Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
*United Nations Development Programme (UNDP
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Building on its mission to enhance the well being and competiveness of Caribbean farmers through the
creation linkages and increased collaboration for better strategic advantage to overcome challenges
faced within the agribusiness sector, the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN) hosted a regional
workshop on Youth in Agriculture under the theme “Youths in Building Agriculture as a Viable and
Sustainable Business” as a part of its continued efforts to aid the development of the agricultural sector
in the region.
As such, the workshop was designed to address the main contributors to the lack of youth involvement
in the sector and also to provide an enabling environment for the young and the not so young within the
network to come together, exchange ideas, develop leaders and find common solutions to common
problems. It also aimed at increasing the interest and awareness of young agribusiness persons of the
continuously widening career opportunities available as well as providing relevant technical and
practical information.
The workshop took place at the Grenada Grand Beach Resort in Grenada from January 25-28th
, 2010 and
the official opening ceremony took place at the Grenada National Stadium on the evening of Monday
January 25th
. Over forty-five participants attended the workshop, forty of which were youths under the
age of thirty-five. The participants were selected from CaFAN membership and other agricultural
organisations that are actively involved in agriculture from eleven Caribbean countries, including
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and host country Grenada. Over forty-five persons
participated; fifty-five percent were males and forty-five percent were female.
Presentations made at the workshop included an overview into the current macro and micro agricultural
business environment in the Caribbean and its impact on youths which were based on recent studies
carried out by UNDP in 2009, with further experiences from the Pacific countries presented by FAO.
Highlights of the findings indicated low levels of youth participation in agriculture and an ageing
population of the agricultural sector, with the average farmer within the region above 55 years. The
workshop also addressed topics such as crop production, marketing, working together in clusters,
technology in agriculture, developing proposals for resource mobilization, etc. Participants also gained
foresight of the agriculture sector in Grenada as a way of enlightening their young minds into the
practicality of what agriculture is all about.
The young Caribbean agribusiness entrepreneurs who attended the workshop reiterated the need for a
more favourable environment for further integration into the agricultural sectors and indicated a
preparedness to play a greater role in its development. Key areas for future action that were identified
included technological development, promotion of farming as a business and access to lands, finance
and marketing as well as sectorial linkages.
Participants also outlined a number of project ideas that will encourage more youths to get involved in
agriculture. These included enhancing the diversification of the agricultural base by utilizing technology
more effectively to increase production and profits for agricultural enterprises and establishing an
agriculture development fund directed at young agriculture entrepreneurs. Other project ideas include
farmer to farmer interactive programme and re-education of Youths through the school system about
the different opportunities that exists within the agriculture sector.
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At the close of the workshop, participants who were evaluated expressed their satisfaction and said the
workshop was extremely useful and informative, and it re-enforced the career choice of some to work in
the agriculture field. Participants also noted that the workshop helped open their awareness to the
opportunities which exist within the sector and to know that there are systems in place to provide
assistance to them in becoming effective agribusiness entrepreneurs. There was a call by the
participants for more workshops such as this, where they can come together to learn from one another,
stimulate ideas and collaborate as colleagues in order to contribute in a meaningful way to the
development of the sector. Many pledged their support to work with the national bodies within their
countries to implement some of the project ideas that came from the workshop.
Participants also called upon CaFAN to:
• Assisting in lobbying resources and technical information for farmers organisations and youths
involved in agriculture
• Host similar workshop in national countries
• Help mobilize proper technical training for young farmers e.g. management, artificial
insemination, irrigation and crop care
• To assist in getting markets for farmers produce and help farmers organisations to build capacity
to negotiate and procure contacts for market to facilitate production planning, in terms of crop
forecasting, scheduling, soil testing, posters on farm grading, pre and post harvesting
• Develop a T.V broadcast showcasing agriculture across the region and to make more people
know about the organization’s work
• Lobby with the stakeholders to integrate national and regional policies that would attract,
empower and enable youth’s involvement in agriculture.
• Assist with scholarships for persons to develop a career in agriculture.
The workshop was organized by CaFAN, with technical and financial support from the Technical Centre
for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) (ACP_EU), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Marketing
and National Importing Board of Grenada (GMNIB).
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WORKSHOP BACKGROUND
The Caribbean region has had a long history of agriculture and farming. However, this long tradition as
well as innovations in various areas of agricultural and rural development is threatened by a number of
factors, including the very limited youth involvement in the sector. Anecdotal information reveals high
negative perceptions for agriculture and farming among young people in the Caribbean. Surveys among
farmers’ organisations across the region indicate that the average age of farmers are increasing and in
most cases above 45 years old, the majority being over 60 years.
Several studies explain the situation of the Caribbean youth by macro-environmental, micro-
environmental and individual factors. The macro-environmental factors are related to the state of the
national economy, social exclusion, public institutions, policy and legal framework, politics, media, etc.
The state of the national economy represents a protective factor when it is a source of well-paid jobs,
career development prospects and resources for social services. By contrast, it is a risk factor, when it
represents uncertainty and vulnerability for young people. Caribbean economies are small and are very
vulnerable to economic and natural shocks which the region often has difficulty in enduring. In this
context, the social exclusion of youths in the form of limited access to labour markets, goods and
services and social protection programmes is a risk factor.
Public institutions (including education systems) can be protective to young people if they are, effective
and responsive. Otherwise they do not address the needs of economic sectors, including agriculture and
rural development. Parallel to public institutions experts recognize the role mass media (TV, radio,
video, movies, music, newspapers and magazines) have in shaping positive or negative perceptions and
behaviours of young people. This is especially true of the region that is constantly the recipient of
American culture and norms through its proximity to the U.S. and its satellite television programmes.
The micro-environmental factors include: structure and dynamics of the families, the values and
influence of social networks and community infrastructure and equipment.
The agricultural sector and its constituents (including farmers’ associations and rural youth groups) are
simultaneously affected by the above mentioned factors and called upon to be part of the solution of
the identified problems. From this perspective, the sector must take into account its own interest as an
economic sector and the specific interests and peculiarities of the youth.
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Workshop Outline
1. Current situation and trends in agriculture development in the Caribbean
� Perceptions and realities
� Potential and limitations of agriculture as an attracter sector to the youth (Achievements and
failures of past and current efforts to get more youth people involved in agriculture)
2. How can agriculture become an attractive economic sector to the youth?
� Youth entrepreneurship in agriculture
� Youth employment in agriculture
� Youth associations in agriculture
� Effecting change at the policy level
� Enthusiasm vs. Experience
� Building on past successes
� Strategies for marketing
� Case studies / successful agribusiness youth farmers
� Field Visits
3. Planning the way forward
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WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS
Establishing a common understanding of the key issues and challenges
facing youth involvement in agriculture
Welcome Remarks
The day began with welcome remarks by Senator Norman Grant, President of CaFAN. This was followed
by an introductory session of the participants and their backgrounds.
Miss Keeley Holder, workshop facilitator and Mr. Jethro Greene, CaFAN Chief Coordinator, provided
participants with general background events which led to the workshop and outlined its objectives.
Introduction
The official introduction to the CaFAN network and family was done by Chief Coordinator of CaFAN, Mr.
Jethro Greene. He outlined CaFAN’s efforts, projects and programmes and the various member
organizations within the region. He encouraged participants to participate actively in the workshop and
make the best of it, as it was a workshop for them to come up with practical solutions and ideas to get
more young people involved in the sector. He also encouraged the participants to become a part of the
CaFAN family and advised them to build on the knowledge they will receive from the workshop. He also
stressed the importance for them to take the knowledge they received and the ideas they will develop
back to their respective countries so as to continue the objective of capacity building and strengthening.
He directed participants to the CaFAN brochure and website and further encouraged them to share,
network and collaborate.
Opening Ceremony
The official opening ceremony was held on the
evening of Monday January 25th
at the Grenada
National Stadium. The evening’s events commenced
with greetings from the ceremony chairperson, Ms
Keeley Holder. Welcoming remarks were delivered
by Mr. Fitzroy James, General Manager of the
Grenada Marketing and National Importing Board on
behalf of its Chairman, Mr. Byron Campbell. Brief
introductory remarks were given by CaFAN Chairman
Senator Norman Grant, followed by addresses from
both the Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sport,
the Honourable Patrick Simmons and the Minister
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries the Honourable
Michael Lett of Grenada. Both Ministers made
informed presentations relating to the realities
facing the agricultural sector within the region and
reiterated their support for continued work and
Standing for the National Anthem of Grenada
From L-R: CaFAN Chairman, Senator Norman Grant,
Prime Minister, Hon. Tillman Thomas, Minister of
Agriculture, Michael Let, and Minister of Youth,
Patrick Simmons
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development aimed at increasing youth awareness and participation within the sector through their
respective ministries. Congratulations and encouragement was bestowed upon CaFAN for their
pioneering vision and work.
A lively presentation by the Chief Coordinator Mr. Jethro Greene, who addressed the gathering on the
‘State of CaFAN’, continued the evening’s proceedings. With his aim of encouraging the younger
persons within the sector to take up the mantle, a brief outline of the CaFAN history, its mandate and
achievements thus far was given. He stated that it was his hope that the workshop would represent a
crucial step in bridging the gap between the young and the not so young in the community through
facilitating an increase in the exchange of ideas, the developing of leaders and in planning the new way
forward. He advised that in taking the international events into perspective the environment for the
development of agricultural sector has become more favorable than it has been in recent times, as such
it was up to the farmers to organize and build capacity in order to be in a position to take full advantage
of shifts in international focus. He challenged their critical thinking skills and demanded the open flow
of ideas information and questions. He stressed the need for persons in the region to work through
national bodies in utilizing and maximizing the use of resources. He closed his comments with a plea for
the farmers to come together and see the strength in numbers and agreed with Senator Grant that
agriculture has to be placed squarely on the agenda of CARICOM.
Members of the Head Table: From L-R: Ms. Keeley Holder, Ceremony Chairperson, Jethro Greene – CaFAN Chief
Coordinator, CaFAN Chairman, Senator Norman Grant, Prime Minister, Hon. Tillman Thomas, Minister of
Agriculture, Michael Let, and Minister of Youth, Patrick Simmon,
The feature address of the ceremony was delivered by the Honourable Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister
of Grenada. Honourable Thomas address reflected a deep understanding of the issues affecting farmers
and the agricultural sector from a national and regional perspective. He highlighted the issue of
escalating prices of inputs which undermine the ability of farmers to produce crops in a sustainable
manner. He also placed on record his tremendous satisfaction with CaFAN and the role it has played in
fostering youth involvement in agriculture. He called for an acceleration of efforts towards youth
involvement and advancement within the sector recognizing the potentiality of the agriculture sector
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and the fragility of over reliance on the tourism sector. He concluded by highlighting the enormous
career opportunities for young persons in the agri-food sector. Emphasizing the need for Ministries of
Agriculture and academic institutions to play a more vital role in educating about the opportunities in
agriculture, he stated that
“ to capitalize on all these opportunities, it is vitally important that Governments in the region prioritize
training and education aimed at improving the knowledge, skills and abilities of young people and other
vulnerable groups to take full advantage of all potential opportunities –Prime Minister of Grenada Carriacou
and Petite Martinique, Honourable Tillman Thomas”
Prime Minister Thomas and members of His Cabinet, along with the CaFAN workshop coordinating team take
photo with members of the North East Farmers Organisation who turned out in numbers in support of the
Workshop.
Closing remarks and the vote of thanks were performed by Roderick St Clair Marketing Manager of the
Grenada Marketing Board and CaFAN Workshop Coordinator.
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SUMMARY OF PRESENTATIONS
DAY ONE: “Current macro and micro agriculture business environment
in the Caribbean and its impact on youths”
1. CARUTA Recent Case Studies 2009
By Henry Mangal, UNDP Consultant
Mr. Mangal’s presentation consisted of the findings from recent case studies conducted in 2009 on Best
Practices for Youth in Agriculture as part of a CARUTA commissioned study. The study was conducted in
three islands; Barbados, Grenada and Saint Lucia. For each island, information was collected on positive
common positive attributes and problems in the sector and included recommendations.
In a second presentation entitled ‘Challenges Confronting Caribbean Agriculture Engaging the Youth’,
Mr. Mangal identified a list of ‘worrying signals’ which were low levels of youth participation, ageing
population of the agricultural sector, average farmer within the region above 55 years, declining
performance and productivity of agriculture in last decade, and food security threats.
From a historical perspective, he remarked that Caribbean societies emerged from agrarian based
societies i.e.: the Amerindians who practiced subsistence farming. The introduction of commercial
agriculture by the Europeans led to subsidized agriculture through slavery and indentured labour with a
concentration of land ownership in large estates. This shift in production focus became a single primary
produced export crop which secured economies of scale and increased foreign exchange earnings.
Another feature of this attitude was the perpetuation of preferential market access.
His presentation recommended that a new focus was required, one which not only met the food need
of the region’s people, but included movement into secondary production and the promotion of
agriculture as profitable business. A few suggestions were
• an increase in small land owners
• an increase in rhetoric on diversification
• an increase in trade negotiation and lobbying
Benefits of such an approach included:
• a reduction of foreign exchange leakages and debt
• the development of a healthier regional citizenry
• an increase in attractiveness of agriculture to younger persons.
The key elements of this strategy were the implementing of effective import substitution measures
based on proper analysis and food import data, vigorous assessment of productive capacities and
rational planning and allocation of production. In sum the presentation emphasized the need for reform
in agricultural training and the deliberate mainstreaming of youths into the sector.
Concluding remarks quoted from Mario Michel – Saint Lucia NYC President and advised participants that:
“The role of Youth in developing societies is to be in the vanguard of the thrust towards
transforming their societies to better meet the needs of all the people”
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2. Youth, Agriculture and Entrepreneurship; Experiences from the Pacific
Islands
By Heiko Bammann, Agricultural Economist FAO
Mr. Bammann commenced by explaining that FAO is a specialized agency of the UN, with offices and
head offices throughout the region with a mandate of providing a neutral forum for knowledge and
information sharing and technical assistance. Its mission:
“Achieving food security for all: to make sure people have regular access to high-quality food to lead
active healthy lives”.
Using indicators drawn from a comparison of regional data and statistics of the Caribbean and with that
of the Cook Islands, he demonstrated the vast disparity between revenue and capacity of the two similar
regions. He stated that although there is a higher population density in the Caribbean which creates a
higher demand for land, this also indicates that there are more people to feed, thus there must be a
demand for food. In relation to the Caribbean, although the domestic market is a considerable size, a
significant amount of the domestic demand is being supplied by imports as a result of income restraints.
He advised the participants that from his perspective, to become competitive that focus must first be set
on domestic markets so as to reduce imports as opposed to seeking extra-regional export market share.
In his presentation, Mr. Bammann stated that the impact of globalization of the economies of regions
such as those found in the Pacific reflects the need for sustainable agriculture, good farming practices
and a need to consider environmental policies.
Reiterating that what was said by Mr. Mangal, Mr. Bammann acknowledged that a key issue facing the
agricultural sector was an ‘ageing farming population.’ He noted that the alarming age disparities within
the sector suggested that specific focus should be placed on young persons in their twenties.
Mr. Bammann opined that there was a wealth of resources available to the farmer but the real issue
affecting the sector was bridging the gap between the farmer and the available resources.
Traditional and recent development of approaches included
• Farming Systems Research and Extension
• Development of Farm Household Systems
• Linking farmers to markets- market oriented agricultural development
He suggested that a suitable approach would be through linking farmers to the market/market led
approach, and providing assistance for them to access income generating opportunities. The benefits
common to this approach is a centering of analysis on small farmers and the use of participatory
methods.
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3. Role of clusters/farmer groups and networking in developing
agriculture
By Jethro Greene, Chief Coordinator CaFAN
Mr. Greene began his presentation by addressing the reasons for CaFAN focus on small farmers and
farm families. He stated that when persons have a stake in their own country, they have something to
defend. He went on to say that most of their small farmers had holdings under five acres with over 60%
holding less than three acres. Taking this consideration into account, he advocated strongly that the
clustering and grouping approach is the key for the advancement and development of small business
farmers. He illustrated this by making the point that if there is an order to produce 50 acres of yam, one
can go to a large farmer to obtain the produce or you can bring twenty five small farmers together to
create the same yield. The advantage of using the latter approach is that the social and economic impact
spans a wider cross section of the population. This has effects of improving employment, diversity, social
and economic empowerment and quality. He stated that CAFAN approach is, in countries where there is
more than one farmers’ organization to create a more facilitating environment for the farmers to
network and work jointly. He noted that farmers’ working together increases the capacity to bulk
purchase inputs, achieve higher market quotas and lobby governments for additional support. He
concluded by stating that the future of the regional agriculture sector rested within the hands of united
small farmers and organizations.
A section of the participants!
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DAY TWO: Experiences from the Field
FIELD VISIT In true CaFAN style, participants were given hands on practical interaction with relevant persons
relatable to the issues on study through visiting various agribusiness enterprises. It also provided an
opportunity for participants to interact and socialize with one another while learning about a Caribbean
sister island. See appendix for list of activities.
The first stop
on the CaFAN
field trip was
the MNIB Pack
house. Here,
participants
were shown
how vegetable
and fruit
produce were
stored and
packed for
shipping.
The second
stop of the
day was a
visit to CaFAN
member
organization
North East
Farmers
Organisation
(NEFO).
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From St George to
St John, participants
enjoyed visiting and
sharing at the
Nutmeg Processing
Warehouse:
Grenada
Cooperative
Nutmeg Association
(GCNA).
Participants
then visited
the farm of a
young
business
farmer, Mr.
Brendon
James who
explained to
participants
the challenges
and success
that he faced
as a farmer.
Mr. James
Farm is
located in the
Parish of St.
Andrew,
Grenada.
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One of the most
anticipated visit by
participants were
the visit to the Bee
Keeping Operations
of Mr. Bertrand
John Farm,
Bathway St
Patrick’s who also
operatives a Green
House.
Participants had
an engaging and
informative
afternoon at the
Belmont Estate
in Belmont St
Patrick where
they had a tour
of how to make
chocolate, goat
cheese and met
a four hundred
year old tree
with a bell….
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DAY THREE: Key topics and issues for success in Agriculture
This session got underway with an interactive segment between participants sharing their personal
experiences and the ups and downs of being agribusiness entrepreneurs. This discussion set the back
ground for Workshop Facilitator Keeley Holder to present on the topics of contemporary issues in
agriculture and the dynamics of local and regional markets.
4. Agriculture in the 21st Century: Not business as usual
Keeley Holder, IPM Specialist
Ms Holder’s presentation addressed the contemporary issues affecting the agribusiness sector and
challenges faced by young entrepreneurs. She stated that traditional attitudes towards farming from the
farming society had to be changed.
Ms Holder stated that agribusiness must be treated as any other enterprise applying all the rules
business attitudes and etiquette. She challenged the participants to play an important and reshaping the
image of agriculture from the farm to the farmer. She recommended the further use of technological
resources coupled with team building and group effort to increase not only the viability of the sector but
also its profitability. She also placed emphasis on the need for proper management and managerial
skills.
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5. Effective Crop Production, Planning and Marketing
By Roderick St Clair, Marketing Manger GMNIB
Mr. St Clair commenced his presentation by posing some key questions to the participating audience:
• What solutions do you want to provide?
• What inspire you to want to provide this solution?
• How do you intend to provide this solution?
• How confident are you in realizing your solution?
• What message do you want to leave us with regarding Production Planning and Marketing?
• How will you advance CaFAN in achieving its role in Production Planning and Marketing?
He stated that the essence of any enterprise was to generate revenue for the
owner/grower/operator/service provider through the provision of physical product or service. Three
levels of planning he outlined included: macro level planning, operational planning and foresight
planning all of which should be solution oriented planning. He recommended the use of the five “w’s” as
a guide to planning which were: WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHERE, WHEN, HOW.
In conclusion he stated that production should be market driven. While he advised participants to look
for innovative opportunities to provide real solutions other key points were
• Provide Solutions to users/consumers
• Look at Opportunities
• Form Clusters /Joint Marketing/ of your product or service
• Market Research/Plans and Strategies
• Quality/Standards/Food Safety/Compliance
• Successful Enterprises will differentiate its enterprise with its quality of service & product
6. Accessing credit
By Shaffield Brice, Bank of St Lucia: Agribusiness Services Unit
Mr. Shaffield Brice led the presentation on dealing with agriculture financing. He stated that despite the
claims by the youth of an inability to access finance, agriculture financing has played a critical role in the
development and growth of a strong agriculture sector in the Caribbean mainly in the OECS countries.
Agriculture financing is a development activity in which funds are provided to undertake a wide range of
Agriculture projects or agriculture businesses. Finance for agriculture projects are mainly sourced from
personal funds (personal savings or family donations), grants and/or subsidies and loans from banks or
other financial institutions. A bankable agriculture project is any project that meets the criteria set by
the financial institution financing such a project. Criteria for financing agriculture projects include:-
tenancy/ownership, technical feasibility, financial analysis and collateral.
He concluded by noting that bankable projects should contain a financial analysis, a technical analysis, a
market analysis and an operational plan, and that the credit worthiness and the ability of the promoter
to manage the proposed project are critical elements. It is therefore very important to know and
understand the lending criteria of the financial institution that you intend to approach.
22
7. Developing profitable enterprises: avoiding the major pitfalls of young
business
By Fitzroy James, General Manager, GMNIB
Mr. Fitzroy James General Manager of GMIB covered the broad themes of investment planning,
preparation of business plans and implementation guidelines.
“An institution exists for a specific purpose and mission. In the business enterprise, this means
economic performance”
With these words of wisdom, Mr. James reiterated the fact that the full potential of the agriculture
sector has not been realized due to poor financing and business management. Noting that in the OECS
only 1.3% commercial loans go to agriculture and .2% to the fishing industry which has been the most
buoyant in the last five years a major restraint has been an inability to secure consistent supply and
adequate monitoring of enterprise performance. After noting these points he offered some more
insights.
‘Business management must always, in every decision and action, put economic performance
first. It can justify its existence and its authority only by the economic results that it produces. A
business management has failed if it does not produce economic results. It has failed if it does
not supply goods and services desired by the consumer at a price the consumer is willing to pay.
It has failed if it does not improve, or at least maintain, the wealth producing capacity of the
economic resources entrusted to it. And this, whatever the economic or political structure or
ideology of a society, means responsibility for profitability.’
23
He then outlined some common pitfalls:-
• Insufficient understanding of the business you are getting into
• Lack of Planning
• Poor Management
• Insufficient capital
• Bad location
• Trying to produce everything
Mr. James then went through a detailed business plan and implementation monitoring guide with the
participants.
8. Protected Agriculture: Pros & Cons
By Alvin Murray, General Manager CPGCA
Mr. Murray provided the participants with a very engaging and informative presentation. Mainly
through the use of photos, he described and outlined to the participants the various benefits of
protective farming and greenhouse management.
Depending on intensity, amount of water and length of rainy season, he suggested that agriculture can
be done indoors using PROTECTED STRUCTURES OR GREENHOUSES.
Factors to be taken into consideration
when designing a protected structure:-
• Wind
• Light
• Actual load
• Logistics
Materials that can be used:-
• Polyethylene film: inexpensive,
temporary. Most common is 6
mil thick.
• Polyvinyl chloride film: keeps
longer higher temperatures at
night. Tends to get dirty and it has to be washed once a year to have better light transmission.
• Acrylic: resistant to weathering and breakage. Does not yellow but it’s flammable, easily
scratched and very expensive.
• Polycarbonate: impact resistant, less expensive than acrylic. Scratches easily and turns yellow
within a year. High contraction and expansion rate.
• Fiberglass: durable and attractive, moderately priced. More resistant to impact than glass and
transmit slightly less light. High expansion and contraction rate.
Mr. Murray provided detailed technical and logistical information to the participants and concluded that
protected farming/greenhouses can be very profitable if proper production and management systems
are put in place.
24
9. Developing national follow-up activities for support
Working Group Discussions
The participants were asked to formed regional groups to discuss solutions for the many challenges
facing the sector. Each participant took turns on putting forward their ideas/views on the key issues
affecting the sector as well as recommendations.
1. Access to Labour:
• Outsource labourers/ contract based workers
• Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture (school interns)
• Community based organizations
• Mechanization
• Attractive remuneration/shares of company/ incentives for production
• Personal development packages
• Cooperatives of small farmers to form labour banks
2. Pests and Disease:
• Procure biological instruments: which lives species for which plant
• Increased data collection and record keeping
• Closer monitoring of invasive species to keep current with control measures
• Establish stronger relationships with the farming community and the research
community
• Seasonal planting and rotation and use of border crops/ use of hybrid varieties
• Use soil-less medium/ proper planting practices
• Protected agriculture/ Integrated pest management
25
3. Access to finance:
• Increased community/ national fund raising activities
• Create investment clubs
• Use indigenous methods such as su-su
• Form private sector partnerships
4. Access to land:
• Better land usage
• Protected agriculture: hydroponics, aeroponics, organoponics
• Increase inter-cropping
• Vertical gardens
• Form farming clusters for efficiency
5. Lack of training:
• Exposure to new technologies
• Mentorship programmes
• Vocational learning in agriculture
• Exchange programs
• Rotational workshops
• More collaboration between professionals and farm community
6. High Cost Inputs:
• Import in clusters or groups
• Exploring alternative raw materials
• Transportation pools
• Organic composting
• Crop rotation/ high density cropping
7. Getting Product sold before it spoils:
• Production planning to eliminate over-supply
• Increase processing
• Contract farming
• Farmgate sales
• Post-harvest technology
• Diverse marketing arrangements
• Improved storage
26
DAY FOUR: Planning the Way Forward
Group Discussion and Presentations
In this session the CaFAN team challenged the participants to not only highlight problems but to also
develop ideas on how they can be overcome. The participants were encouraged to develop ideas
bearing in mind the opportunities for further project development.
Participants were divided into groups to discuss and propose projects that will target youth participation
in agriculture. The framework for discussion was to take into consideration:
o Networking/collaboration
o Production and marketing
o Agro-procession
o Cross-sector linkages
IDEAS DESCRIPTION Fruit wastage - Fruit
processing Unit
o Weakness:
� No land usage
� High utility bills
� Seasonal fruits
� Finance
o Strengths
� Variety of fruit
� Technical knowledge
� Equipment
o Target market
� School children
o Opportunity
� School feeding programs
� Availability of new technology
o Marketing strategy
� Coloured bags
� Jingles
� School tours
� Competitions
o Threats
� Hurricanes
� Scarcity
� Theft
Enhance the diversification
of our agricultural base by
utilizing technology more
effectively to increase
production and profits for
agricultural enterprises;
o Target areas
� Horticulture – apiaries, rabbits, small ruminants, poultry of meat
� Technology – soil testing, protected agriculture, agronomy services,
irrigation, applicable technology for target areas
Establish on agriculture
development fund directed
at young agriculture
� Loans – crop insurant, contracts, working capital, equipment, inputs
� Training – agriculture business management
� Market and product development
27
entrepreneurs
� Certification – standard sector compliance requirements, standards
other compliance
The multipurpose centre
� Post harvest practices which also includes value addition practices
� Peeling, slicing vacuum packed for preservations
� Blanching
� Sorting, grading, packaging, storage, distribution, agro processing
� Input credit system
• Fertilizer and Seeds
• Ago chemical
• Technical advice team
Technology development
• Integration from primary agriculture to value added process
• Production
• Define marketing strategy
• Define distribution system
• Land utilization policy/distribution/ Allocation
• Business plan built in support service
• Policy sourcing of imputes and equipment
• Bulk buying
Praedeal larceny • proper implementation of farmers id card
Venture capital
• Develop supportive capacity to tap into grants
• Clustering and networking
• Sharing information
Development of a structure
for farmer to farmer
interactive programme
• Better quality
• More money
• Exchange visits from farmer to farmer (different countries)
• A system that allows for any citizen to enter the agriculture sector and
become successful by learning, increasing production, training
Implement mini bio gas
digestion for farms.
• This will help to reduce production costs as the gas can be used to
produce electricity etc. Implement solar ponds to produce electricity of
farms.
Water harvesting • Construct small dumps in communities to start water and to pipe the
water to individual farmers of different locations
• Assistance in training for persons to be qualified in specialized areas
• Person would be selected and trained and after completion person
would be obligated to serve the farming community by passing on
training knowledge
Re-Education of Youths
through the school system
o Why?
� Aging farming population
� Lack of interest of youth in agriculture
� Lack of farm labour
� Access of credit to the young
� Availability of arable farm lands
o How?
� Organize school tours
� Organize school agricultural exhibitions
� Organized seminars
� Organize school Garden Competition
o Collaborators?
� CaFAN, Ministry of Agriculture , Ministry of Education, IICA, CARDI,
CAFY
28
EVALUATION
Over 75% of the evaluated participants agreed that the workshop was an overall success. Participant
comments indicated a general satisfaction with the networking opportunities through the discovery of
areas where beneficial collaboration can commence. The diversity of organization representation from
across the region was also greatly appreciated.
Ratings indicated that while participants were grateful for the wealth of information to which they were
exposed, many felt that the time allotments were too limited and as such created instances of
information overload. Some also expressed the view that some presentations seemed irrelevant while
others suffered from overemphasis. Others expressed the opinion that information relating to topics
such as financial capital, intra-regional trade, market demand and issues affecting the farming of
livestock were insufficient.
Nonetheless, tables indicate that participants were satisfied that workshop exposed them to critical
theoretical and practical information, which they can use to their benefit as well as further the
development and strength of their respective organizations. Information shared on diversification,
value-addition, market-linkages, quality and safety standards and value chain components were not only
found to be very helpful but also motivational.
In relation to the logistical and organizational aspects of the workshop, all persons evaluated expressed
a general satisfaction with the level of professionalism and warmth demonstrated by the CaFAN team
over the course of the four days.
Participant Report
The following information is also based on participants’ feedbacks.
What follow-up action would you suggest for you own organization as it relates to the workshop?
• Organize/ establish a country youths in Agriculture Workshop
• Develop local programmes to educate and assist the youths
• Work with the schools to involve children in agriculture
• A project planning workshop which would help teach persons how to plan and execute projects
• Review the By-Laws to include production and business/investment activities
• Acquire grading posters layout for assembly line
• Host food fair
• Always keep in touch with CaFAN so you can share your success or failures because CaFAN provides
technical support and assist the organization.
• Prepare report on the workshop and present workshop findings to national stakeholders and develop
national strategy to address youth involvement in agriculture/agribusiness
What will you take back with you to your organization and counter parts?
• To encourage the youth to be involve in agriculture
• The success stories and set back that exist in other countries and what we can do to better our national
situation
• Be proactive
29
• Agriculture is a business and for a business to survive we have to put in time, talent, commitment and
handwork
• The contact information , this will allow me to truly network
• Managing my time well
• Business structuring
• The benefit of working in cluster groups
• Getting pass the old age methods and using technology to help improve production. We can make double
money on what we are currently making with less time
• Shared experiences is the best method, one can learn from the mistakes and mishaps of another to
prevent the same situation from happening due to Caribbean counterparts shared almost the same
problems in agriculture
• The CaFAN philosophy “Uniting farmers for better economic prosperity”.
• The importance of effective networking and capacity building.
What would you like CaFAN to do for you in your country?
• I will like CaFAN to help in the cost of production and prices of fuel and spare parts for our farmers at a
cheaper price.
• Host the same workshop or advertise in country
• Assist me in reaching out to our youths by aids in workshop, training and lobby on behalf with government
on the integration of agriculture with education youths and the culture (ministries)
• Assisting Guyana to organize farmers organization , continue to provide technical support and to
implement more projects in Guyana
• Help mobilize proper technical training for young farmers e.g. management, artificial insemination,
irrigation and crop care
• To help provide markets for our root crops and help to organized a group
• Provide information on markets and their availability in the Caribbean
• Help us build capacity to negotiate and procure contacts for market to facilitate production planning, in
terms of crop forecasting, scheduling, soil testing, posters on farm grading pre and post harvesting
• I would like CaFAN to set up a resources office or personal in my country to help farmers directly
• There should be more add and awareness of CaFAN event in the schools
• Help youths seek funding for their projects and develop their business plan
• Help on the green houses for farmers to be able to work in more technology
• Set media ads, set drama where youths can see the roots of agriculture in the ancient stage.
• Have more advertisement on T.V to make more people know about the organization work
• Lobby with the stakeholders to integrate national and regional policies that would attract, empower and
enable youth’s involvement in agriculture.
• Improved access to higher and innovative education in agriculture.
• Establish an education drive to challenge youths to get involve in agriculture as a viable and sustainable
business.
What will you do for CaFAN in your country?
• I can offer an extensive services of collecting data and analyzing it
• Assist in training, workshops and networking
• Strengthen the networking; communications, with individuals who represent each country
• Use CaFAN model to build Guyana agriculture sector
• Encourage farmers to network and provide information to CaFAN network and farmers needs and ability
to contribute
• Through my organization encourage and support youths imitative taken to develop Agriculture and
strengthening the network by communication
• Continue networking with CaFAN , be a volunteer for the “CaFAN FAMILY” so you can assist the network
whenever they have meeting or workshop in your country
30
• Educate my country of the unity between the Caribbean farmers.
• Volunteer go about encourage youths to go or branch off in agriculture.
• Lobby with stakeholders (government, NGO’s and other youth organization) to promote CaFAN philosophy
“Uniting Farmers for socio-economic prosperity.”
• I will volunteer my services as an agriculturalist and an education to the CaFAN movement.
How will you encourage young people to get involved in Agriculture?
• Erasing the negative picture painted by persons involved and showing them the possibilities of being
business owners who are successful
• Try to lead by being an example, show challenges, reward and money
• Make information available and work with CaFAN Stakeholders
• Form a youth group from within my association
• By schools visits, training, education
• Working with Organization and government Agencies
• Work with youths to start agric-clubs
• By telling them my experiences in farming and what I have achieved and how farming will provide for
them all their needs
• By being an example
• Sponsor home economies/food a nutrition students invite them as apprentices on a farm (paid)
• Promote educational project that engage children so they can learn about where their food comes from,
who produces it , how it is produced and the related nutritional value
• Sensitization, incentive to youths, educate youth, training sessions and assist them in writing business plan
• By showing them that there are opportunities to be self employed and enjoy the freedom of being their
own boss.
• By forming strategic alliances with CaFAN and other stakeholders to access funds to purse agri-initiatives
that would spur and attract youth involvement in the sector e.g. protected agriculture hydroponics and
other advance technology in agriculture.
• Have a strategic re-education drive to encourage youths to get involved in agriculture.
What can CaFAN do to improve the next workshop?
• Technical day, Market day, new technology, diagnostic breakdown to days or sessions of different topics
• Offer a bit more technical information to show the new vision and hence win the minds of the youths
• Don’t shared working material while some is on the floor. I distracts the participant from the person on the
floor and concentrate on the working material
• Manage time better
• Choose three to four problems and work on meaningful solution at the end of the workshop
• Focus on the role of the family in the agri-business building an traditional and incorporating the
technological know-how or your family methods
• More success stories, so that the younger generation can be expose to such stories and some can say’ If he
can I can too”
• Recording sessions to assist reporting and understanding of views more photos, diagrams, simulations
present case studies, concrete examples and allow participants to speak before presentations( not assume
we have no prior knowledge other wise sessions become rhetorical)
• More PowerPoint presentation whereby we see what have been presented
• Be world wide than regional
• Have more interactive sessions
• Include more technical presentations ( food processing) and other emerging sectors within the Caribbean
31
CONCLUSION
The workshop provided a good forum for interaction, networking and collaboration among younger
agribusiness persons. Participants felt highly motivated and appreciated the knowledge gained on the
potentiality of the sector. Some key conclusions arrived at:
• CaFAN should in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations, develop
programmes and workshops aimed at the development and training of agribusiness farmers
with a special focus on youths within the sector.
• Pursue aggressive marketing strategies geared towards increasing the attractiveness and
awareness of agro-related opportunities.
• Further development of farm management systems and workshops to aid farmers in becoming
more efficient and profitable.
• Increase the public visibility of the network within the region and the development of social
partnerships.
• An overwhelming conclusion put forward by the participants was that CaFAN should continue its
efforts to encourage and motivate youth involvement especially through the education systems
throughout the region.
• A suggestion to maximize output from the workshop was that a sampling of participants’
knowledge prior to the workshop would be useful to increase the effectiveness of the
presentation material and planning.
• Continued market access development as well as technical and financial assistance
32
APPENDICES
A. AGENDA /PROGRAMME
DAY ONE –MONDAY 25TH
JANUARY, 2010
08.30-09.00 Registration
09.00-10.00
Workshop introduction
• Self Introduction of Participants
• Welcome remarks– Sen. Norman Grant, president of CaFAN
• Introduction to CaFAN programme and activities - Mr Jethro Green, Chief Coordinator of
CaFAN
• Background and objectives of the workshop – Keeley Holder
• House Keeping
• Group Photo
10.00-10.15 Refreshments
10.15-11.15
Current macro and micro agriculture business environment in the Caribbean and its impact on
youths
• Recent Studies by UNDP – Henry Mangal, UNDP consultant
• Experiences from the Pacific and other region involving the participation of youth in
agriculture and agro business – Heiko Bammann, FAO
11:15-1:00 State of Agriculture, Key Issues, Strengths and Gaps
Brief statements from youth representatives:
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and
Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago,
13.00-14.00 Lunch
14.00-14.30 • Role of Clusters/farmers groups & networking in developing Agriculture - Jethro Greene
• The role of advocacy, improving negotiation skills & influencing policy – Senator Norman
Grant
14:30-15:30 Working Group Discussions
• What can CaFAN do to create an enabling environment for youth participation in
Agriculture?
• What are the skills youths require to overcome the current obstacles in Caribbean
agriculture, and explain the need for each one?
• What are the policies required to support a progressive agriculture development system
given the limitation of size and resources in the Caribbean region?
15:30 Recommendations and Closing of Day one
OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY – MONDAY 25TH
JANUARY, 2010 – GRENADA NATIONAL STADIUM
18:30 Chairperson - Ms. Keeley Holder, Workshop Facilitator
National Anthem
Prayer
Welcome and Opening remarks by Mr. Byron Campbell, Chairman of Grenada Marketing and
National Importing Board (GMNIB)
Brief Remarks by Senator Norman Grant, Chairman for Caribbean Farmers Network
33
Brief Address by Honourable Patrick Simmons, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports
Brief Address by Honourable Michael Lett, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
“State of CaFAN” address by Mr. Jethro Greene, Chief Coordinator of Caribbean Farmers Network
Feature Address and Official Opening of Workshop by Honourable Tillman Thomas, Prime
Minister for Grenada
Closing Vote of Thanks by Roderick St. Clair, Marketing Manager of GMNIB and CaFAN Contact
person, Grenada
Refreshments
DAY TWO – TUESDAY 26TH
JANUARY, 2010
# VENUE ARRIVAL DEPART
1 HOTEL – Grand Beach, Grand Anse, St. George’s 8:15
2 MNIB PACKHOUSE – River Road St. George’s 8:40 9:20
3 NORTH EAST FARMERS, New Hampshire, St. George’s 9:45 10:20
4 Nutmeg Processing: GCNA, Gouyave, St. John 10:50 11:30
5 Brendon James Farm: Pearls, St. Andrew’s 12:00 12:40
6 Lunch at Rivers Restaurant: River Antoine, St. Patrick’s 1:00 1:50
7 Tour Rum Processing Operations, River Antoine 2:00 2:30
8 Green House operations & Bee Keeping Operations,
Betrand John, Bathway, St. Patrick’s
3:00 3:30
9 Belmont Estate, Belmont St. Patrick’s 4:00 4:30
10 Back to Hotel via Eastern Main Road 5:45
DAY THREE – WEDNESDAY 27TH
JANUARY, 2010
08.00-08.30 Experiences from the Field, lessons learnt
8.30-9:15 Agriculture in the 21st
century: Not business as usual – Keeley Holder
9:15 – 10:00 The dynamics of the local & regional markets – Keeley Holder
10:00 – 10:15 Refreshments
10:15-11:00 Effective crop production planning and marketing – Roderick St. Clair
11:00 11:45 Developing profitable enterprises: avoiding the major pitfalls of young businesses – Fitzroy James
11:45-12:15 Accessing Credit – Shaffield St. Brice
12:15-1:00 Protected agriculture, pros and cons – Alvin Murray
13.00-14.00 Lunch
14.00-15.30 Finding solutions to “Our Problems” – A Youth Approach
15:30 – 17:30
Developing project outline for CaFAN support to address issues of:
• Networking/working together;
• Production and marketing
• Agro procession; and
• Linking agriculture to food security, health and nutrition, tourism, etc
Jethro Greene & Keeley Holder & Roderick St. Clair
DAY FOUR – THURSDAY 28TH
JANUARY, 2010
8:30 – 9:00 Synopsis of Day 3
9.00-13.00 Presentation and critique of project outline by participants
11.15-11.45 Refreshments
11:45-13:00 Presentation and critique of project outline by participants
13.00-14.00 Lunch
14.00-15.30 Planning the way forward
15.30-16.00 Evaluation and Closing
34
B. WORKSHOP LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
No. Name Sex Organisation /Position Contact
Country
1. Brent Georges M Team Fresh Produce Cooperative – CaFAN
Antigua/Barbuda
Secretary
268-720-9871 / 268-724-5211
Antigua &
Barbuda
2. Ika Fergus M Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum
for Youth in Agriculture
President
268-462-6119
Antigua &
Barbuda
3. Bernard
Masson
M Gilberts Agricultural Rural Development
Centre
Member
268-463-4121/268-721-9440 / 268-
726-7626
Antigua &
Barbuda
4. June Niles F Barbados Agriculture Society
Member
246-831-9112
Barbados
5. Jamal Small M Barbados Agriculture Society
Member
246-437-9625 / 256-2387
Barbados
6. Felipe Blanco M Orange Walk Farmers Association
Member
501-665-8979
Belize
7. Nettisha Davis F -
767-277-8772
Dominica
8. Delroy Williams M National Association of Youth Agriculture
(NAYA)
President
767-265-5755/ 767-225-6367/615-
5881
Dominica
9. Nelva Magloire F National Association of Youth in Agriculture
(NAYA)
Member
767-265-5755/767-265-5581
Dominica
10. Aaron Hamilton M North Eastern Youth Council
Member
767-614-1583
Dominica
11. Imhotep
Mawuto
M Clozier Youth Farmers Cooperative
President
473-444-9687/536-8105/418-5790
Grenada
12. Phillip Mitchell M North East Farmers Organisation
Floor member
473-414-4411/473-449-9359
Grenada
13. Joseph
Braveboy
M North East Farmers Organisation
Floor member
473-440-0578 / 473-418-4908/7981
Grenada
14. Lawson James M Grencoda
Marketing Co-coordinator
473-444-8430 / 473-442-0891/537-
0478
Grenada
15. Ebony Holas F GAFY
President
473-418-1201/ 473-442-9481/534-
1230/405-3848
Grenada
16. Royston
Andrews
M MNIB
Quality Control Assistant
473-440-1791/2
Mnibcaribsurf.com
473-435-7571/534-0597
Grenada
17. Misha Bayne-
Thomas
F MNIB
Cashier/ Merchandiser
473-440-1791/2 / 473-444-
9974/449-3805
Grenada
35
18. Kiem Cato M MNIB
Depot Attendant
473-440-1791/2
Mnibcaribsurf.com
473-435-4806/456-0559
Grenada
19. Nancy Mc Guire F Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan
(Canada)
Communication Specialist
306-933-4404
473-442-8731
Grenada
20. James Trotman M Region Ten Farmers Association
Member
592-444-2210 / 592-668-9054
Guyana
21. Nandlall
Mangal
M Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association
(GAPA)
National Coordinator
592-227-1934/ 592-611-4048
Guyana
22. Ravindra Singh M Guyana Rice Producers’ Association
Filed Extension Officer /Student
592-254-2012/3 / 592-698-6005
m
Guyana
23. Sylvia
Shakespeare
F Christiana Potato Growers Cooperative
Information service officer
876-964-2366
876-964-4279
876-476-5317
Jamaica
24. Odean
Bradshaw
F Jamaica Agricultural Society
National Farm Queen 09
876-948-2901
876-398-6275/ 871-6285
Jamaica
25. Muriel
Thompson
F Nevis Growers Association
Member/ President Asst.
869-469-5871/5521
869-469-0579/5871
869-669-0794
St. Kitts &
Nevis
26. Georgette
Deslyn Richards
F St. Kitts Farmers’ Cooperative Society
Limited
Treasurer
869-465-9185/667-1433
869-662-4604/669-2525
869-669-2525/662-4604
St. Kitts &
Nevis
27. Shafield St.
Brice
F Bank of St. Lucia
Agribusiness Officer
758-456-6000
758-457-7120/720-5651
758-285-8618
St. Lucia
28. Michael Edward M Belle Vue Farmers Cooperative Society
Limited
Stall and Market Sales
758-457-1632
758-572-9191/758-712-2209
758-489-2853
St. Lucia
29. Vincentia Fatal
^
F Belle Vue Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd
Secretary to Board
758-715-1970
St. Lucia
30. Uraline
Alphonse
F Women Network
Member
758-451-6761 / 758-518-1116
St. Lucia
31. Zoe Grant F ECTAD
Member
784-458-2644 / 784-491-9576/430-
1832
St. Vincent
36
32. Conroy Huggins M Ministry of Education/
Bishop’s College Kingstown
Agriculture Teacher
784-457-1548
784-454-0011/432-6753
St. Vincent
33. Ipha Miguel F ECTAD
Agronomist
784-495-8805
St. Vincent
34. Ackier Jemmott F Tobago Agriculture Society
Member
868-639-2432
868-683-6494/359-0901
Trinidad &
Tobago
35. Avinash Singh M Agriculture Society of Trinidad and Tobago/
Sec. Felicity Farms
Member
868-672-8995
868-710-5575 / 335-6570
Trinidad &
Tobago
36. Charles Smith M CARDI
Agronomist
868-645-1205/660-5836
868-742-4552
Trinidad &
Tobago
37. Linsay Edwards F Tobago District Agriculture Society/
Mason Hall Mt. St. George United Farmer’s
Association
Committee Member/ Vice President
868-639-2432
868-368-7270/290-9509
Trinidad &
Tobago
WORKSHOP COORDINATING TEAM
38. Jethro Greene M CaFAN Secretariat
Chief Coordinator
784 453 1004
St. Vincent
39. Nyasha Durrant F CaFAN Secretariat
Admin. Officer
784 453 1004
St. Vincent
40. Keeley Holder F Barbados Agriculture Society (BAS)
Vice President – Fruit and Vegetable
Growers Association
246-436-6683
246-243-6496
Barbados
41. Roderick St.
Clair
M Marketing and National Importing Board
Marketing Manager
473-440-1791/92
473-417-5733
Grenada
42. Ruella Munro F Munro Intercontinental
Managing Director
405-563-1038
473-440-0494/414-6894
Grenada
43. Shari Niles F Caribbean Farmers Network
Volunteer
246-233-9069
Barbados
RESOURCE PERSONS
44. Henry W.
Mangal
M UNDP (CARUTA Project)
Consultant
758-451-8300/720-1644
St. Lucia
45. Heiko
Bammann
M FAO
Enterprise Development Officer
+39 06 570 52764
Rome
46. Norman Grant M Jamaica Agriculture Society
1st
Vice President
868-469-3242
Jamaica
47. Alvin Murray M CPGCA
General Manager
876-322-2513
Jamaica
48. Fitzroy James M Marketing and National Importing Board
General Manager
473-440-1791/92
Grenada
37
EVALUATION SUMMARY
Percentage of Participants Evaluated
No. Question Excellent /
Strongly
Agree
Very
Good /
Agree
Good /
Kept My
Interest
Fair /
Somewha
t Agree
Poor/
Disagree
SECTION TWO
Workshop Programme
2.1 Structure of programme was well organised
around the expected results of the
workshop
14% 37% 37% 6% 6%
2.2 Workshop introduction was clearly
outlined.
28% 37% 23% 9% 3%
2.3 Adequate time was devoted for each
presentation topic
12% 26% 35% 12% 15%
2.4 The interaction amongst the participant
and facilitators/presenters was good
38% 32% 21% 3% 6%
2.5 The topics covered were relevant to course
objectives
24% 44% 20% 6% 6%
2.6
The balance between different topics was
satisfactory
3% 63% 23% 3% 8%
Presentations
2.7
Current macro and micro agriculture
business environment in the Caribbean and
it impacts on youths
Recent Studies by UNDP – Henry Mangal,
UNDP consultant
27% 52% 14% - 7%
2.8 Experiences from Pacific and other region
involving the participation of youth in
agriculture and agro business – Heiko
Bammann, FAO
22% 44% 28% 3% 3%
2.9 Role of clusters/farmers groups &networking
in developing Agriculture. Strenghting old
organizations vs. Building new ones – Jethro
Greene
43% 37% 11% 6% 3%
2.10 The role of advocacy improving negotiation
skills & influencing policy – Senator Norman
Grant
38% 35% 18% 3% 6%
2.11 Agriculture in the 21st
century : Not
business as usual – Keeley Holder
40% 31% 20% 3% 6%
2.12 The dynamics of the local & regional 29% 34% 29% 5% 3%
38
markets - Keeley Holder
2.13 Effective crop production planning and
marketing – Roderick St. Clair
14% 37% 34% 9% 6%
2.14 Accessing Credit – Shafield St. Brice 12% 41% 23% 15% 9%
2.15 Developing profitable enterprises: avoiding
the major pitfalls of young businesses –
Fitzroy James
20% 56% 12% 6% 6%
2.16 Protected agriculture, pros and cons – Alvin
Murray
71% 23% 3% - 3%
SECTION THREE
Field visits
No. Question Excellent /
Strongly
Agree
Very
Good /
Agree
Good /
Kept My
Interest
Fair /
Somewhat
Agree
Poor/
Disagree
1 MNIB PACKHOUSE - River Road St. George's 12% 50% 29% 3% 6%
2 NORTH EAST FARMERS, New Hampshire,
St. George's
10% 3% 42% 35% 10%
3 Nutmeg Processing: GCNA, Gouyave, St.
John
41% 41% 15% - 3%
4 Brendon James Farm: Pearls, St. Andrew's 9% 32% 35% 15% 9%
5 Green House operations & Bee Keeping
Operations, Betrand John, Bathway, St.
Patrick’s
29% 27% 32% 9% 3%
6 Belmont Estate, Belmont St. Patrick's 71% 26% - - 3%
7 Snacks 22% 41% 28% 3% 6%
8 Lunch 19% 28% 28% 22% 3%
SECTION FOUR
Group Work and Plenary Discussions
No. Question Excellent /
Strongly
Agree
Very
Good /
Agree
Good /
Kept My
Interest
Fair /
Somewhat
Agree
Poor/
Disagree
1 There was adequate time allocated for the
discussions
15% 32% 23% 15% 15%
2 Participants actively participated in the
discussions
32% 50% 12% 3% 3%
3 Group work were clearly defined 37% 37% 17% 6% 3%
4 The interaction between participants were
rewarding during group works
44% 41% 12% - 3%
5 There were clear communication amongst
the role of each group member towards their
contribution to the group work
40% 37% 14% 3% 6%
6 Group work presented were clear 34% 46% 14% 3% 3%
SECTION FIVE
Methodology
No. Question Excellent /
Strongly
Agree
Very
Good /
Agree
Good /
Kept My
Interest
Fair /
Somewhat
Agree
Poor/
Disagree
1 Workshop methods used were appropriate 21% 41% 29% 3% 6%
2 Presentations were clear 34% 31% 29% 3% 3%
3 Theory and practice were well-balanced 11% 35% 38% 11% 5%
4 The pace during the course was adequate 11% 26% 40% 20% 3%
39
5 Intensity was satisfactory 24% 32% 32% 9% 3%
SECTION SIX
Logistics and Organizational Aspects
NO. Question Excellent /
Strongly
Agree
Very
Good /
Agree
Good /
Kept My
Interest
Fair /
Somewhat
Agree
Poor/
Disagree
1 Background information was timely and
sufficient
14% 49% 28% 6% 3%
2 The organisation of your trip was
satisfactory (travel, arrival, welcome)
45% 26% 13% 13% 3%
3 Accommodation was satisfactory 34% 38% 19% 6% 3%
4 In general, the working conditions were
acceptable
40% 45% 9% 3% 3%
5 Training facilities were adequate
(equipment, materials)
34% 41% 19% 3% 3%
6 Catering conditions were satisfactory 23% 32% 26% 14% 5%
7 Lunch was satisfactory 20% 35% 17% 17% 5%
8 Coffee break was satisfactory
32% 23% 27% 12% 6%
40
Caribbean Farmers Network C/o Eastern Caribbean Trading Agriculture
and Development Organization (ECTAD)
P.O. Box 827, Beachmont
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
[email protected] or [email protected]
www.caribbeanfarmers.org
Tel: (784) 453-1004 Fax: (784) 453-1239
