FFA Newsletter March 2013

Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsVolume 2 Issue 2 March 2013Networking for Change: Regional Extension In This Issue: Leaders Meet at St Augustine Campus Networking for Change: Regional Extension Leaders 1 Another Legend Falls 3 4 Factsheets and Training Manuals Can the Second Mouse 5 get the Cheese Pumpkin Farmer Forum from 6 Farm to ForkParticipants and facilitators of the meeting New Geography Department 8 in Action 10In acknowledgement of the Callender), Belize (Mario pivotal role extension plays Restructuring Agriculturein agricultural development Chavarria), Dominica Education and Extensionand food and nutrition security Policyefforts in the region, theDepartment of Agricultural (Dianna Henry and Felix Promoting the FFA and theEconomics and Extension(DAEE), in collaboration Leslie), Grenada (Randolph University of the West Indieswith the Global Forum forRural Advisory Services Shears), Guyana (Kuldip in the Caribbean’s Small(GFRAS) hosted a meetingof senior regional agricultural Ragnauth), Jamaica (Phillip Island States 12 extension officers from 28February – 1 March 2013, Chung), St Kitts and Nevis at the St Augustine Campus,The University of the West (Oswald Browne), Saint Lucia Agribusiness as the PathIndies (UWI). This two-daymeeting, which was described (Kemuel Jn. Baptiste and to Sustainable Agriculturalby Professor CarlislePemberton, Dean, Faculty of Rufus Leandre), St. Vincent Development in theFood and Agriculture (FFA)in his welcome remarks as a Caribbean 14“landmark event”, attractedparticipants from Antigua & the Grenadines (Catherine Upcoming Conference 15and Barbuda (GregoryBailey), Barbados (Barney Bonadie-John) and Trinidad (Deokee Bholasingh-Hay). FFA Post-Graduate Open Day Other distinguished guests 16 present at the opening ceremony included: Professor Neela Badrie, Deputy Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, FFA, Mr Barton Clarke, Representative, Layout and Design – Ms Sarojini Ragbir Food and Agriculture Editors Organisation of the United – Ms Sarojini Ragbir/ Prof Lawrence Wilson Nations, Ms Dorothee Lötscher, Programme Continued on Page 2

Page 2 Faculty of Food and AgricultureOfficer, GFRAS, Dr Selby Nichols, Head, identificationof majorconstraints,professionalDepartment of Agricultural Economics and development, funding, local and regionalExtension (DAEE), and Dr Isaac Bekele, promotion and extension responsibilities.Head, Department of Food Production. Participants also engaged in activities to The primary objective of the meeting determine a name for the organisation, definewas the launch of a regional advisory network its objectives, identify the next steps andwhich can be affiliated to GFRAS, the global select a Steering Committee. Although thesemechanism that provides advocacy and discussions generated several fruitful ideas,leadership on rural advisory services (RAS). there was consensus that these items neededRAS focus on strengthening of capacities, to be more extensively deliberated upon.empowerment of rural people, promotion of With specific reference to the formation of ainnovations, and serve to establish linkages steering committee, the meeting determined,between farmers, the private sector, research, that until this has been finalised, the DAEEeducation, and government. To support the will serve as the provisional secretariat.regional effort in this regard, Ms Lötscher, saw The meeting concluded with a debriefingher role in the meeting as one of facilitating session, which provided invitees with thethe strengthening of networking in the region opportunity to be appraised of the discussionsby assisting participants to identify what held over the two-day period. It was attendedis required, the types of issues that exist, by Professor Clement Sankat, Pro Viceand additionally, helping them to clearly Chancellor and UWI St Augustine Campusdefine how the process can move forward. Principal and Deputy Deans, Professor Gary The idea to have a regional network Garcia and Dr Sharon Hutchinson. Alsohas been latent ever since the Caribbean present were representatives from the FAO,Agricultural Extension Project (CAEP) which National Food Crop Farmers’ Associationwas completed through the University in and Centre for Agricultural Bioscience1984. At the second GFRAS annual meeting International, all of whom had the opportunitywhich was held in 2011 in Nairobi, Kenya, to provide feedback on what they had heard. as part of the conference on Innovations in The Campus Principal applauded the FFA, inExtension and Advisory Services, concrete particular the DAEE, for taking the initiativeplans began to emerge. This international to host the meeting, and saw this as a stride inNairobi meeting was attended by Drs the right direction for a new faculty that seeksDavid Dolly and Wayne Ganpat and Ms to demonstrate its support for the region.Wilhelmina Kissoonsingh of the UWI and Also some Caribbean stakeholders haveseveral other Caribbean representatives. responded positively to the network’s On the first day of this Caribbean intention on the “[email protected], in addition to being introduced to FAO.ORG”. Next steps include theGFRAS, and having the meeting objectives preparation and dissemination of the meetingdefined, participants reported on the current report, sensitising national and regionalstatus of agricultural extension in their stakeholders about the network, establishingrespective countries. The meeting then a communications base, consolidation ofengaged brainstorming exercises in order to network priorities, development of terms ofidentify the type of interaction Caribbean RAS reference, establishment of the network andstakeholders would require, the structure and the formation of a steering committee. Thegovernance needed to facilitate this, the results new network intends to be present at theexpected, and possible linkages to GFRAS Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Guyanaactivities. The development of a networking where it would highlight its intentions andplan of action formed the basis of activities become exposed to regional agriculturalon day two. Key areas addressed included the stakeholders.

Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 3Another Legend Falls: The Passing of Professor Emeritus John Spence Professor Emeritus John Spence knows his work, which has been recorded in over 50 scientific publications. He hasThe University of the West Indies joins served the national community in several the national community in mourning the ways, including as an Independent Senatorpassing of Professor Emeritus John Spence, from the period from 1986 to 2000 and haswho died on Wednesday March 6th 2013. He served many important institutions, suchwas one of our pioneers at this St Augustine as NIHERST, the Caribbean IndustrialCampus and will be missed by all who Research Institute, the Association ofknew him, said Principal Clement Sankat. Professional Agricultural Scientists of “I have always held him in high Trinidad and Tobago, the Internationalregard because he was a fine gentleman, Board for Plant Genetic Resourcesa thoughtful individual on many national (Rome) and the International Centre forissues of the day, a passionate advocate for Tropical Agriculture (Columbia). He sat onagriculture and someone who served us advisory committees to the Inter-Americanvery well at The UWI, and for a long time, Institute for Cooperation on Agriculturein a leadership capacity,” said Professor and the Commonwealth Science Council.Sankat, as he also expressed his condolences He had also served The UWI asto the family of Professor Spence. a lecturer and Professor of Botony and The contributions made by John was Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture.Arnott Spence have been as varied as they When he retired in 1989, he turned hishave been significant. The scientific world energy towards revitalizing the Cocoa Research Unit, and as its head, saw its international recognition for excellence. In his many roles of service to science, agriculture, education and human life, Professor Spence was tireless, thoughtful and passionate. As a weekly columnist in the national press, writing up to the very end, he maintained the highest standards of research and thoroughness in his discussions and his absence from national discourse will be keenly felt. The national community knows this and has recognised it by awarding him the Chaconia Medal (Gold) in 1980. He was also elected Fellow of the Caribbean Academy of Science (1990) and received a NIHERST Lifetime Achievement Award (2000) for his contribution to agriculture. Source: http://sta.uwi.edu/news/releases/

Page 4 Faculty of Food and Agriculture FACTSHEETS AND TRAINING MANUALSBelow is a list of factsheets and training manuals. If you are interested in obtaining any ofthese documents please email Dr Majeed Mohammed at [email protected] Factsheets • Mohammed, M. (2010). Postharvest(Written by Dr Majeed Mohammed and handling and quality management ofpublished by the Department of Agricultural okra.Economics and Extension, UWI, St Augustine) • Mohammed, M. (2013). Postharvest• Mohammed, M. and Wilson, L.A. (2003). handling and quality management of Postharvest handling and storage of hot tropical cut -flowers peppers. • Mohammed, M. (2013). Postharvest• Mohammed, M. (2003). Postharvest handling and quality management of handling of golden apple. anthurium.• Mohammed, M. (2009). Postharvest • Mohammed, M. (2013). Postharvest handling of fresh pineapple (Ananas handling and quality management of comosus L. Merr). ornamental ginger.• Mohammed, M. (2009). Postharvest • Mohammed, M. (2013). Postharvest handling and quality management of handling and quality management of pumpkins. heliconia.• Mohammed, M. (2010). Postharvest • Mohammed, M. (2013). Postharvest handling and quality management of handling and quality management of melongene. orchid.• Mohammed, M. (2010). Postharvest Training Manuals handling and quality management of • Sealy, L., Mohammed, M. and Samuel, cowpea. J. (1989). Postharvest handling system• Mohammed, M. (2010). Postharvest for melongene. IICA Miscellaneous handling and quality management of bitter Publication A2TT-89-05. 20pp gourd. • Sealy, L. Mohammed, M. and Samuel, J. (1989). Postharvest handling system for sweet pepper. IICA Miscellaneous Publication A2TT-89-04. 23pp. • Sealy, L. Mohammed. M., and Samuel, J. (1989). A farmer’s manual on postharvest handling of hot peppers. IICA Technical Events Series ISS 0253-4747. 107pp • Mohammed, M. (2003). Improving postharvest handling and maintaining quality of fresh pineapple (Ananas cosmosus (L) ) fruit. IICA Manual.

Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 5 Can the Second Mouse get the CheeseBy Dr Govind Seepersad, Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Dr Govind Seepersad, Citrus RDI population and to increase competition Fund Project Team Leader to capture market share for local juices. The project started with theThe UWI, through the Department of nation’s school teachers since July Agricultural Economics and Extension, 2012, encouraging them to simulatehas embarked on an initiative to assist in the demand amongst school children.revitalization of the Trinidad and Tobago Dr Seepersad reminded participantscitrus industry. According to the the Citrus that no longer does the citrus businessRDI Fund Project Team Leader, Dr Govind reside in selling fruits in recycled bagsSeepersad, who gave a presentation at the and boxes, placed in heaps and lookinglaunch of “The National Citrus Project” in for buyers. The world has changed and theDecember 2012, this project seeks, amongst way business is conducted has changed.others, to develop a new, sustainable Suppliers must recognize that they haveagronomic model for the re-development produced a great, healthy, nutritiousof the Citrus Industry in Trinidad and product, one which buyers are willingTobago; to increase opportunities for to pay good prices if presented properly.agri-entrepreneurs and to increase New marketing strategies are beingdomestic food and nutrition security. developed to simulate demand. ThisThe project uses a demand-led approach includes highlighting the health benefitswhere local farmers and processors can as a major driver to simulate demand.team up to get at least 25% of the $50 Entrepreneurs are not to limit themselvesmillion frozen concentrated orange juice to fresh fruit and juices alone. The(FCOJ) import market and 50% of the project also highlighted emerging globalapple and grapes market which has an trends such as new uses for lemon oil.import value of $25 million. The approach On the juice side, they are looking at ahere is to increase fruit consumption new acidulant application of lemon juiceacross the youth population including on fruit juices and derivatives with acidthrough the School Nutrition Programme deficiencies. Lemon juice is also being– to augment the health of the nation’s used as a preservative for baby foods andchildren; develop a campaign to increase lime lends itself easily to industrialization.consumption of citrus juices across the In the developing countries we found a range of new products. The trend of large companies is that of serving the food and beverage industry with the “freshest best quality citrus flavours and products”. The UWI-led team will work with the Ministry of Food Production, and other stakeholders to supply the country’s fresh citrus-table fruits and the freshly squeezed juice market needs. Source: UWI Today, January 2013 Photo: Terry Sampson

Page 6 Faculty of Food and Agriculture Pumpkin Farmer Forum from Farm to Fork By Wendy-ann IsaacThe UWI, St Augustine, in collaboration The research activities in this project with McGill University, Canada has revolve around three fundamentalembarked on an ambitious project which themes: Community nutrition and health;aims at improving the nutrition and health socioeconomic and market access, and waterof CARICOM populations with a systems and land resources. The latter comprisesapproach to food availability, safety and a number of sub-themes: protectedquality. The four-year project: “Improving agriculture and open field diversification,the nutrition and health of Caricom irrigation and water and soil conservation;populations by increased food availability small ruminant production; food safetyand diversity through sustainable agricultural and quality and postharvest technology.technologies,” began in March 2011 andtargets four Caricom territories: Trinidad, The project targets primary school children,St Kitts, St Lucia and Guyana. The project women and small holder farmers as theis funded by the International Development agents of change, given the dominant roleResearch Center (IDRC) and the Canadian these groups have in influencing householdInternational Development Agency through eating behaviour. This approach increasesthe Canadian Food Security Research Fund. the likelihood of success in achieving food and nutrition security in the project countries.The project was conceptualised with a Under the sub-theme “protected agriculturefarm to fork approach with agricultural and open field diversification,” the research team has evaluated variousdiversification, conservation of water pumpkin varieties at the University Field Station and in collaboration with farmersand the efficient use of land increasing from the Cunupia Farmer’s Association.farmer productivity and supplying thepopulation, particularly vulnerablegroups such as women and children. Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is an important traditional vegetable crop in Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries. It is a commodity loaded with vitamins A and E, minerals (iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus), anti-oxidants such as leutin, xanthin, and carotenes, dietary fibre and low calories. These antioxidants decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer and help protect against age related eye disease. It is an important part of the local diet where it is mainly produced by small farmers. In Pumpkin Varieties on Display Continued on Page 7

Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 7Pumpkin Farmer Forum from Farm to Fork Continued Cunupia Farmers Association, the National Agricultural Marketing and Development2004, Trinidad exported over 2200 tonnes Company (NAMDEVCO), Trinidadof pumpkin which translates into substantial and Tobago Agribusiness Associationforeign exchange earnings. Production has (TTABA), the National School Feedingsince been declining. There is a gap between Programme (NSDLS) and Ms Albadaactual and potential yields and hence there Beekham, Research Officer from theare opportunities for enhanced productivity Ministry of Food Production as well asthrough the adoption of improved varieties UWI technicians and lecturers attended.in the local production systems. Varietiessuitable for the local market are determined They participated in a consumer preferenceby taste and thickness of skin, whereas those evaluation of five pumpkin varieties,suitable for the export market are selected including three of the varieties beingby smooth skin and weight (about 25 kg). evaluated, Chinese squash (a new variety gaining popularity in local markets) andMany farmers grow pumpkins because CES STARZ (a new variety developed byit takes a relatively short time to produce the Ministry of Food Production, for thefruits, between 3-3.5 months. Yields are export market). They evaluated the overallbetween 8,000-10,000 pounds per acre. Most acceptability based on colour, texture, taste,farmers plant one crop in June/July and the sweetness and cooking quality and ratedother crop in October/November. Farmers their preference for export and local markets.who have access to irrigation systems They also sampled several pumpkin productscan often produce the crop year round. If including, bread, muffins, cookies, patties,pumpkins are harvested, handled and stored drinks, ice cream and soup. The Forum willcorrectly, they can remain marketable for be one of many planned outreach workshopsup to two months. The varieties under to educate farmers about best practicesevaluation include Crapaud Back (popular to improve production both in scope andlocal variety), Bodles Globe (new Jamaican variety, while conserving land and water.variety)andFutureNP-999(Chinesevariety). Sensory Evaluation Taste TestThe project hosted a Pumpkin farmer forumin December, 2012 at the Frank StockdaleBuilding, St Augustine Campus. The forumwas opened by Dean, Faculty of Foodand Agriculture, Prof Carlisle Pembertonand presenters included Dr IsabellaGranderson, Dr Wendy-Ann Isaac, DrMajeed Mohammed and Prof Neela Badrie.This forum allowed discussion on the Source: UWI Today, January 2013major concerns facing the industryand share best practices in production.Farmers were also introduced to new trialvarieties that would improve production.Representatives from the AgriculturalSociety of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT),

Page 8 Faculty of Food and Agriculture New Geography Department in ActionGeography at the UWI St Augustine campus has had a brief but dynamic history. The subject was first taughtin 2005 (prior to this, students attended the Mona campusin Jamaica), with the inaugural group of 39 studentsgraduating in 2008. The UWI-St Augustine Geographyunit only became a full department in the Faculty ofFood and Agriculture in 2012 and will begin offering afull BSc degree from September this year. At present, 10students are pursuing MPhil and PhD degrees in a range ofenvironmentaltopics,fromtheimpactof beach dynamics onLeatherback turtles to the public perception of earthquakesin Tobago and the historical geography of Arima. Geography is an attractive major for students. Itstheories and methods provide analytical techniquesapplicable to a broad spectrum of occupations. The skillsrelated to a geography degree include project development, Kiron Neale, Rhodes Scholarcomputer modeling, research/analysis, field study, observation of human interactions,ability to communicate across cultures and to understand societies, utilise statisticalapplications, gather and organise data, read and construct maps, and surveying and sampling. Below is a list of scholarship winners who pursued the major in Geography. Post-graduate Scholarship Winners Continued on Page 9

Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 9 Geography Celebrates Awareness Week with Secondary School Teachers and StudentsGeography Awareness Week was launched urban design for improved liveability and in 1987 in the United States. Since functionality in Port of Spain, earthquake riskthen, a number of countries have joined in a perception and management, and the effects ofmovement to achieve a common objective: beach dynamics on leatherback turtle nesting.to promote geographic education in schoolsand amongst the general public in the month Dr Priya Kissoon speaks to Geography Teachersof November. For the first time in Trinidad about Geography Educationand Tobago, Geography Awareness week wascelebrated from November 11-17th, 2012 atThe University of the West Indies, St AugustineCampus. Junior Geographers from eightsecondary schools from Penal, Manzanilla, andSan Fernando came to the Campus with theirteachers, and in some cases parents, for a specialafternoon with the Geography Department. TheGeography Postgraduate Society (GPS) wasat hand to answer questions and discuss theirresearch topics, which include heritage andplace identity, children’s perceptions of nature, First Annual National Photo Jeremiah Jacob of Naparima Boys’ College Competition for his “Elemental” photo, and third spot to Patricia Joanna Gordon of San FernandoThe department also held its first annual Secondary School for her “Amazingnational photo competition for Forms 5 and Cliff”. Honourable mention went to Esther6 Geography Classes. Sarika Bhageratty, Marcano from Naparima Girls’ High School.sixth former from St Francois Girls’College won the first prize of a digital camerawith her image “Blue MeetsGreen”. Second place went to (Left to Right) Ms Alana Joseph (Geography Postgrad Society - GPS), Kara Khan-Roopsingh (GPS), Prof Neela Badrie (Deputy Dean, FFA), Dr Jennifer Collymore (Lecturer), Mr Jeremiah Jacob (Winner, 2nd Place), Ms Alisa Jankie (Teacher, Naparima Boys' College), Dr Marisa Wilson (Lecturer), Prof Paul Shaw (Head, Geography Department), Miss Sarika Bhageratty (Winner, 1st Place), Dr Priya Kissoon (Lecturer), Dr Matt Wilson (Senior Lecturer), Miss Teneille Valere (President, Geography Club), Mr Jason Tambie (GPS) Submitted by Dr Priya Kissoon, Lecturer, Department of Geography

Page 10 Faculty of Food and AgricultureRestructuring Agriculture Education and Extension Policy for Food Security in the CARICOM Region and ACP States Overview A mantra is suggested for agricultural policy and extension decision markers as follows:This communication is the summary of 1. Transformation of the Food a paper by Prof Gary Wayne Garcia Production and Utilization System:entitled Future Vision and InnovativePillars for “Agricultural Extension” and • Eat what you grow and grow what you“Agricultural Policy” in support of Food eatSecurity and Farmers Wealth in CARICOMand the African, Caribbean and Pacific • Use local markets for development(ACP) States: 2012 to 2033 and circulated • Use export markets for extra incometo academic members of the UWI, Facultyof Food and Agriculture (FFA) as one 2. Pursuit of sustainable food andinput for discussions on reorganizationof agricultural teaching and extension in Agriculture production systemsthe faculty. The paper was also presentedat the 48th Caribbean Food Crops Society • Use solar radiation for sustainableMeeting (May 2012) in Cancun, Mexico.The overall purpose of the paper is the energyrealization of sustainable food securityin the CARICOM region as well as in • Farmers to be net producers of energythe small tropical ACP states, using theconsiderable resources available on the • Avoid annual replanting with ratoonsmall farms and Ministry of Agriculture andResearch Institutes within the ACP states. crops and foragesThe paper deals with the future vision 3. Farmers to be integratedand innovative pillars for agriculture into the Value Added Chainsextension and agricultural policy insupport of food security and farmers • Introduce local branding andwealth. It focuses on three objectives: collective marketing.• Outline of the Rationale for a The paper is summarized under headings of: suggested approach • Rationale of suggested approach• Identification of available resources • Available resources• Listing of the pillars of the suggested • Pillars of the suggested strategy • Rethinking tertiary agricultural strategyIt concludes with suggestions for education at UWIrethinking the approach to UniversityEducation and Agricultural Extension and Elements of the RationalePolicy towards sustainable food security. Sixelementsoftherationaleforthe suggested approach to extension and policy formulation are suggested in the paper as follows: 1. The worldwide food and nutrition crisis 2. Lack of investment in food and agriculture Continued on Page 11

Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 113. Little attention to the 4. National and Regional consumer Multifunctionality of food and Education agriculture 5. Efficient use of the internet in4. Undervalued contribution of Agricultural Extension in a “Future agriculture to the economy Simulated” World.5. Non-sustainability of the use of Rethinking Tertiary Agricultural existing environmental resources Education at UWI (water and forest resources and fossil fuels) The document concludes by suggesting six directions for Higher Education in6. Unnoticed and non-infrastructurally Agriculture within the 4 Campus UWI supported large numbers of small system (Mona, St Augustine, Cave farmers and small farming systems in Hill and Open University) as follows: the Caribbean and the ACP states. 1. Teaching of Tropical Agriculture in Available Resources Classrooms must be changed 2. The Basic Sciences must remainThe existing resources in ACP statesthat are available for use in the as the foundation for agriculturaltransformation of agricultural extension education, but real tropical examplesand agricultural policy include: must be used1. History of existence and persistent- 3. More than 50% of the curriculum should be presented in Working production of small farms and small Agribusinesses farming systems over many decades 4. University agricultural education2. Accumulated global knowledge of must be moved from the classroom Agricultural Research and Extension, to industry i.e. into the food and Experiences, Methodologies and agriculture WORKPLACE for Skills over the last 150 years reference to development of the food3. World-wide availability of Internet and agriculture sector services for transformation 5. There is urgent need for core courses of agricultural education, on Intensive Farm Management communication and trade. 6. The Thomas R. Preston model for the conduct of Teaching and Research Pillars of the Suggested Strategy on intensive, integrated mixed Small Family Farms is stronglyFive pillars of the suggested recommended for considerationstrategy are outlined as follows: [http://www.utafoundation.org/l.]1. Emphasis on improving production Prof Gary Wayne Garcia is the Professor and productivity of existing small of Livestock Science, Department of Food farms Production, Faculty of Food and Agriculture,2. Cooperatives farmer marketing and The UWI St Augustine. You can contact local and regional product-branding him at email: [email protected]. Linking Agricultural Development Banking and Agricultural Policy to Agricultural Extension

Page 12 Faculty of Food and AgricultureReaching out to Dominica and St Lucia: Promoting the Faculty ofFood and Agriculture and The University of the West Indies in the Caribbean’s Small Island StatesThe Faculty of Food and Agriculture The trips’ main activity was to encourage (FFA), represented by the Departments students to consider The UWI, St Augustineof Agricultural Economics and Extension for their Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Science and also to inform them of the opportunity to(DAEE), Geography, and Food Production, continue their studies in Food andAgriculturejoined Student Affairs and The UWI Open at the tertiary level. During their respectiveCampus, to conduct outreach visits to the weeks abroad, Drs Patterson-Andrews andCommonwealth of Dominica and St Lucia.The trips are part of an annual series of Kissoon attended Portsmouth Secondary School, Seventh Day Adventist Secondaryoutreach visits to the island states in the region School, Castle Bruce Secondary School,conducted by academic and recruitment and North East Comprehensive Secondarystaff, as well as UWI-STAT (Students School, while Dr Eudoxie and Ms JosephToday Alumni Tomorrow) ambassadorsfrom various departments and campuses. attended Marigot, Choiseul, Babboneau, and Entrepot Secondary Schools, as wellThe outreach visits are led by Student as Vieux Fort Campus B, Sir Arthur LewisAffairs (Admissions) for the promotion of Community College, Agriculture Division,and recruitment to The University of the and St Joseph’s Convent. The team spentWest Indies. All three physical campuses arerepresented in these outreach visits, and visits time encouraging students to explore their interests in Agriculture, and to apply theirare typically hosted by the UWI’s virtual strengths to their studies in order to comeOpen Campus sites, which serve 16 countries. to the University. Students were eager toDr Priya Kissoon (Geography) and Dr know and then surprised to hear, the rangeHazel Patterson-Andrews (DAEE) visitedDominica from the 27th of January to the 2nd of careers and opportunities available toof February, while Dr Gaius Eudoxie (Food them with their degree from the Faculty.Production) and Ms Chanelle Joseph (DAEE) The team also provided informationvisitedSt Luciafromthe3rd–7thofFebruary. on particular courses and popular combinations of study as well as the admission requirements to earn their degrees in the Faculty. The FFA team also engaged local media to advertise the University of the West Indies’ opportunities for careers in Agriculture and related fields. Bringing their own unique styles and interests to the islands, the FFA team presented the different faces of the Faculty, and demonstrated care, approachability and expertiseDominica Open Campus, Secondary School open house, in their respective areas. TheDr Kissoon front, Dr Patterson-Andrews sitting behind,Ms Joseph of the Open Campus standing Continued on Page 13

Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 13students were brought face-to-face with The Faculty of Food and Agriculturetheir prospective lecturers and stakeholders is proud to promote its three Departmentswere introduced to their academic of Geography, Food Production, andcolleagues in the new Faculty of Food and Agricultural Economics and ExtensionAgriculture at St Augustine. Throughout and welcomes a diversity of studentsthe course of the visits, UWI staff from the island states of the regionworked diligently at building awareness, who consistently make a pronouncedinterest, and relationships in the region. contribution to the University. Portsmouth Secondary School assembly, Dr Patterson-Andrews addressing the students St Lucia Open Campus, Secondary Schoolopen house, Dr Eudoxie addressing students Ms Joseph, addressing students in Secondary Schools in the South of the island of St Lucia Submitted by: Dr Priya Kissoon, Lecturer, Department of Geography

Page 14 Faculty of Food and AgricultureAgribusiness as the Path to Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Caribbean Grenadines-sustainable agricultural development and agribusiness. Contributed Papers: • Curtis M. Jolly, Carel Ligeon, Nathanael Hishamunda, Vincent Wright-Factors influencing the Environmental and Financial Sustainability of Aquaculture Production in Jamaica • Lerona Dana Lewis and John C. Henning-An Investigation into Changes in Income Inequality in St Lucia (1995- 2007) following the Liberalization of International Banana Marketing • Malcolm Wallace, Govind Seepersad and Ardon Iton-Value and Supply Chain Assessment of Dominica’s Hot Pepper Industry • Carlisle Pemberton, Mesfin Bezuneh,The 2011 book of conference proceedings Hazel Patterson-Andrews and entitled ‘Agribusiness as the Path toSustainable Agricultural Development in Afiya De Sormeaux-Does Food Aidthe Caribbean’ peer reviewed and editedby Professor Neela Badrie and Dr Wayne Affect the Agricultural Sector? TheGanpat as associate editor, is now available.The proceedings come from the 29th West Small Economy Case: JamaicaIndies Agricultural Economics Conference,which was held in collaboration with the • Afiya De Sormeaux and CarlisleMinistry of Agriculture, St Vincent and theGrenadines from July 17th to 22nd, 2011, Pemberton-Factors InfluencingKingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.The conference sub-themes included: Agriculture’s Contribution to GDP:• curriculum reform for agribusiness Latin America and the Caribbean development• value chain analysis; trade policy for • C. M. Jolly, B. Bayard and G. agribusiness development Nguyen-Investigating Food Self-• human resource development for Sufficiency Challenges in Haiti agribusiness• agribusiness and the environment and • Elroy Wilson, Govind Seepersad• agriculture in St. Vincent and the and Ardon Iton-A Value Chain Analysis of St Vincent and the Grenadines Banana Industry • Ronald M. Gordon-Promoting Agricultural Trade in CARICOM: Some Perspectives • Wayne Ganpat and Nicole Webster- Engaging Youth in St Vincent and The Grenadines in Agriculture: Continued on Page 15

Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 15Their fears, expectations and Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)food production interests Flour as a Composite Blend for Muffins: • Ardon Iton-Agri-food Value Quality and Sensory Characteristics.Chain Development and Market • Edmund M. Tavernier and A. Yadavalli.Information Systems in the Caribbean -Should the United States Continue• Ingrid Iton and Ardon Iton-Information to Pursue Free Trade Agreements?.literacy: A proposed conceptual • Carel Ligeon, Curtis M. Jollyframework for agribusiness and Pauline Jolly-The Effects ofeducation reform in the Caribbean Socioeconomic and Environmental• Marcus N A Ramdwar and Wayne Factors on Health Status of CaribbeanGanpat-Curriculum Needs to meet and Central American Countries.New Agriculture imperatives: ACase Study Eastern Caribbean Forinforamtiononsourcingthebook,beingsold at US$30, please contact: Dr Hazel Patterson-Institute of Agriculture and Andrews, Secretary, Caribbean Agro- Economic Society, Department ofAgriculturalForestry (ECIAF), Trinidad Economics and Extension, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West• Carlton Sambury, Sharon Hutchinson Indies, St.Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. Phone: 1-868-662-2002 Ext 82445and Dean H. Avril-Factors influencing Email:[email protected] or caesconference@ gmail.comthe willingness to pay a user fee for astate forest recreation visitor facilityThe following papers from the conference For information on sourcing the Tropicalwere published in Volume 89, Issues 2, 3 Agriculture Journal, check the website at:and 4 of the Tropical Agriculture Journal: http://sta.uwi.edu/tropicalagriculture• Damie Sinanan and Roger Hosein.- Submitted by: Professor Neela Badrie, Director of Exploring the Evolution and Publication of CAES and Deputy Dean of Research Persistence of Revealed Comparative and Innovation, Faculty of Food andAgriculture, UWI Advantage in the Agricultural Sector.• Dennise Riley-Mitchell, Neela Badrie and Janelle Yarde-Blackman-Using Upcoming Conference Agribusiness Essential for Food Security: Empowering Youth and Enhancing Quality Products is the theme of a joint conference of the Caribbean Agro Economic Society (CAES, 30thWest Indies Agricultural Economics Conference), the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS, 49th AnnualMeeting) and the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS, III International Conference on Postharvest and Quality Management of Horticultural Products of Interest for Tropical Regions). The conference will be held in Trinidad from 30th June to 6th July 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. For more information please check the respective websites: For CAES: www.caestt.com For ISHS: http://sta.uwi.edu/conferences/13/postharvest/index For CFCS: cfcs.eec.uprm.edu/

Page 16 Faculty of Food and Agriculture FFA Post-Graduate Open Day – Open MindThe Faculty of Food and Agriculture The Master of Philosophy and Doctor of was well represented at the Post- Philosophy Degrees:Graduate Open day on Thursday 21st • Agricultural EconomicsFebruary, 2013 at the JFK Quadrangle. • Agricultural ExtensionExpert teaching and research staff members • Crop Sciencewere available toinforminterestedindividuals • Earth and Environmental Scienceon the various post-graduate innovative • Food Safety and Qualitytaught and research programmes and to • Geographyexplore the exciting research opportunities. • HorticulturePotential students were able to view • Human Ecologythe agouti and rabbit on display and • Livestock Sciencegot free samples of goat and cow milk • Soil Sciencecheeses, ice cream, plants and cornseeds from the University Field Station. The Faculty Postgraduate booklet can be The Postgraduate programmes accessed at: weblink-http://sta.uwi.edu/offered by the Faculty are: resources/documents/facultybooklets/Postgraduate Diploma: FoodAgriPostgrad• Agricultural and Rural Development by FFA Distance Staff and• Agri-Food Safety and Quality students attending Assurance; Tropical Crop Protection to potentialMaster of Science Degrees:• Agricultural and Rural Development PG students (by distance)• Agricultural Economics• Agri-Food Safety and Quality Assurance• Tropical Crop Protection• Marketing and Agribusiness• Tropical Animal Science and Production Submitted by Professor Neela Badrie, Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation, FFA Photos by: Dr Priya Kissoon