IICA Trinidad and Tobago

Wed18 March: IICA, MAF Research Division, and CABI hosted a technical dialogue on Crop Disease Management. This was partly stimulated by the experiences from a bio-based fungal treatment trial co-funded by IICA in collaboration with MAF Research Division and Celsius Valens Ltd. (CVL). We spotlighted two farmers who shared experiences in tackling Anthracnose (pimento) and Red Ring Disease (coconut) using CVL’s bio-based protocol. The gathering included farmers, input suppliers, MAF researchers and Extensionists, MIATD, UWI, NAMDEVCO, and CARDI, among others.

At the outset, the IICA-Rep and MAF Director of Research both acknowledged that perspectives would differ and cause some tension. For Laura Persaud and Adrian Del Pino, this didn't matter. Their crops were failing, and they needed to try solutions urgently, even if they were not validated by research. As expected, there were moments of divergence. But by the end, an input supplier/farmer and a veteran farmer summarised what was needed - better collaboration among institutions. IICA endorses this message!

Three major lessons stood out: 1) continuous field scouting, 2) strict field sanitation, and 3) training of field workers is essential. IICA will continue to support testing, trials, and validation of all available options for farmers to effectively, safely, and affordably control pest and diseases to help them safeguard their livelihoods.


&diseasemanagement

IICA is proud to collaborate with MIATD, Republic Bank Limited, and The Cropper Foundation to deliver hands-on hydroponic training for women, youth, and farmers.  Participants gained practical skills in soilless farming techniques that use less water, maximize limited space, and enable year-round crop production. This directly supports resilience and reduces dependence on traditional farming methods that are vulnerable to changing weather patterns.

By targeting women, youth, and farmers, the initiative helps to:
* Strengthen local food systems and reduce import dependence
* Create new income streams and entrepreneurship opportunities
* Encourage innovation and technology adoption in agriculture
* Build community resilience and promote social stability

The ripple effect? Stronger communities, empowered people, and a more sustainable agricultural sector for the future. By promoting innovative and smart technologies like hydroponics, communities are empowered to boost food production, strengthen national food security, and create sustainable income opportunities.

IICA thanks all the farmer groups, associations and co-operatives who joined us for this event. We commit to continue working to support you as you grow your collective and your agriculture business. Our partnership with the CCLCS will be instrumental in this regard, as is our continued collaboration with other key stakeholders.

"If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far, go together". Let's come together to grow agriculture together.

Happening now!!

IICA is hostimg a Stakeholder Technical Forum on Crop Pest and Disease Management in collaboration with and CABi.

The purpose is to improve the coordination of crop pest and disease controls and prevention strategies between the various public~private agencies and farmers.

IICA and Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies is pleased to host today's Open Forum for "Farmer Groups and Agri-Co-Operatives in a New Food System" to promote co-operation in the Agricultural sector reminding us all that: "Co-operation makes it happen"

As we officially close 2025 (kinda late yes, sorry), IICA-TT takes the opportunity to extend DEEPEST APPRECIATION to our steadfast collaborators, whose partnerships in all forms, big and small, enabled us to make meaningful contributions to our stakeholders, especially farmers in rural communities and the micro and small agripreneurs.
It takes a village of organisations to raise agriculture and keep it growing. IICA is honored to be, and working in our agriculture village. Let's keep growing!
Blessings.

Dear followers and interested readers, while we have been absent on the socials, we have been very much present and active on the ground, supporting our stakeholders and working with partners for sustainable agriculture and life. This is just to close the 2025 information gap. Part 1 of 2. The details will be in our 2025 report, which will be out soon.
2026 started with a bang, and we will catch you up shortly.
Cheers