Agriculture
From The Report: Trinidad & Tobago 2020
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Agriculture still lags behind other sectors and continues to be overshadowed by the energy-driven economy. However, strides have been taken in the areas of training and farm development. The dip in energy prices leading to the 2015 recession emphasised that economic diversification is paramount to the stability of the Trinidad and Tobago economy. Moreover, the high produce import bill needed to sustain the country’s food needs has led to a greater focus on food security. Investment in traditional crops as well as diversification of produce could provide for greater domestic production and less dependence on neighbouring countries. A move towards agro-industry through technological training and graduate grants could provide significant growth in value-added products for domestic consumption and export. This chapter contains an interview with Nirmalla Debysingh-Persad, CEO, National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Shifting focus: Greater investment in traditional crops and an increased focus on training is set to bolster sector growth
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Trinidad and Tobago’s commodity-fuelled growth throughout the second half of the 20th century resulted in agriculture becoming moderately less economically important. As the energy sector gradually grew in prominence, Trinbagonians gravitated away from traditional farming jobs and towards more highly skilled professions. This led to a downturn in the production of traditional crops, despite the country’s historical strength in producing cocoa, sugar and coffee. However, as the food import bill…

Analysis

Appetite for growth: The medicinal cannabis and chocolate segments show promise as agriculture targets much-needed foreign exchange
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Alongside tourism and financial services, agro-industry is an area that holds significant potential for diversification and growth in Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. With a rich tradition of agricultural production and a climate that facilitates the cultivation of a number of cocoa hybrids, the sector has long been earmarked as a potential driver of growth. Furthermore, both raw and processed agricultural exports represent a vital source of much-needed foreign exchange. Current State Agriculture…

Interview

Farm to table: Nirmalla Debysingh-Persad, CEO, National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation, on opportunities for investment and improving production chains
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Interview:Nirmalla Debysingh-Persad What can be done to boost production and tap into the islands’ agricultural potential? NIRMALLA DEBYSINGH-PERSAD: We are delighted to see an increasing number of farmers coming into production. According to our estimates, there are around 23,000 farmers registered in Trinidad and Tobago and approximately 35,000 farmers working in the country, representing a strong increase from 2018. Farmers markets are at maximum capacity and we are taking on additional…