FFA Newsletter March/April 2015

FACULTY of FOOD and AGRICULTURE NewsletterVolume 4 Issue 1 March/April 2015 From Left: Dr Isaac Bekele, Dean of FFA; Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Food Production, Mr Richard Madray; Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Mr Keith Gilges; Deputy Administrator, Internal Services, APHIS, Ms Beverly Simmons and Campus Registrar, Mr Richard SaundersStrengthening ties between the Faculty of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (see story on page 2)

Page 2 Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsletterStrengthening ties between the Faculty of Food and Agriculture and the In this IssueUnited States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant HealthInspection Service continued from page 1 Strengthening ties between 1 FFA and the USDA The UWI signed a Memorandum Caribbean territories has long been Enhanced preservation of fruits 2 of Understanding with the recognized as one of the ways using nanotechnology 3US Department of Agriculture, to improve the capacity of these Animal and Plant Health Inspection countries to further develop their The Faculty continues itsService (APHIS), as an expression trade in agricultural commodities. collaboration with Chinaof collaborative engagement for Rigorous phytosanitary protocols Agricultural University combatting animal and plant are key in attempts to reduce thediseases throughout the region. An entry of invasive alien species. Training in irrigation systems 3important area of the collaboration Improving phytosanitary at FFA’s AIP has been the training of plant capabilities will enable thesequarantine officers. Through this countries to meet their obligations Canadian trade delegation 3programme, which started four years under the international agreements visits FFAago, 75 regional plant quarantine to which they are signatories, notablyofficers have been trained in plant the International Plant Protection In vitro clonal propagation training 4quarantine principles and procedures. Conventions (IPPC) and the World Strengthening of the TradeAgreement on theApplication of Becoming an agricultural 4phytosanitary capabilities of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. entrepreneur Faculty represented at Agrofest 5 Faculty thanked for its continued support to Nevis Open Day 5 The Israel experience 6 Thought for food global 6 summit Enhanced Preservation of Fruits Using Nanotechnology Graduate students prepared forAteam of scientists from the FFA sustainable environmental work 7 has joined a group of scientists development of treatment packaging and coatings to be used during The taste of the Caribbean 7from universities in Canada, India handling and shipping of fresh fruit.and East Africa to assess the role The project is led by Dr Jay Habitat for humanity workshop 8of nanotechnology in enhanced Subramanian, University of Guelph, The Agricultural Society to assist 8preservation of fruits. The project TreeFruitBreedingandBiotechnology the Wild Fowl Trust is funded by the International Programme, and includes other Students get opportunity atDevelopment Research Centre researchers at the University of international universities 9(IDRC) and Foreign Affairs, Trade Guelph, the Tamil Nadu Agriculturaland Development Canada (FATDC), University in India and the Industrial Student wins big at fiery foodunder the Canadian International Technical Institute in Sri Lanka. festival 9Food Security Research Fund Phase II of the project Promoting the Faculty 10(CIFSRF), which supports includes new partners: University Traditional food ways 10partnerships between researchers of Nairobi, Kenya; Sokoinein Canada and developing countries University of Agriculture, Tanzania; Obituary 10for projects on food and nutrition and The University of the West Celebrating the Faculty alumni 11security, hunger and malnutrition. Indies, Trinidad and Tobago. The project involves the Participating in this Conference reminder 11use of pre- and post-harvest effort from FFA are: Dr Lynda Food safety research 12treatments to delay fruit drop Wickham, Dr Majeed Mohammedand fruit ripening in selected and Dr Sharon Hutchinson. Visiting lecturer speaks oncommodities of commercial interest Their research focus is on banana, Agrogeology 12and has the potential to enhance mango, and papaya, with intent to The Faculty’s alumni continue tofood security by improving fruit check the efficacy of the technology serve in leadership positions 12production in many tropical regions. on other fruits of importance to Improvements observed the Caribbean region at a later Layout and Designwere a result of the use of a natural date. The FFA is excited about Ms Sarojini Ragbirplant product, an FDA-approved food the potential benefits to the fruitadditive,thatdelaysfruitripeningand industry, and by extension, to food Photographyaging. Work is also being done on the and nutrition security of the region. Mr Terry Sampson and contributors Editors Ms Sarojini Ragbir, Professor Julian Duncan and Ms Jhivan Pargass

Volume 4 Issue 1 Page 3The Faculty continues its collaboration with China Agricultural University in the development of its Agricultural Innovation ParkDeputy Dean, Farms, Dr Govind Seepersad, left, with Mr Sarran Harryram Ateam of scientists and engineers fromand members of the CAU. To the extreme right is Dr Dave Goorahoo, the Chinese Agricultural Universitycollaborator from California State University, Fresno (CAU) involved in the planning and design of the Agricultural Innovation Park in Orange Corn seed Groove, visited the St Augustine Campus for trials being the second time in February 2015, to identify conducted at and schedule the next phase of activities with counterparts from the FFA. The main goal FFA’s of the visit was to kick-start the collaborative Agricultural research and development activities and to Innovation identify technological and other resource needs. Based on deliberations, the team made Park recommendations for the construction of specially modified green houses. In addition it was decided to commence evaluation of a number of corn lines and vegetable crops from China, for selection to distribute to farmers. The green houses will be expandable and fitted with sensitive electronic controls and will be evaluated for their suitability for sustained use. An agricultural technologist from CAU will be attached to the Park to guide the building and management of the green houses. The technologist will also train local counterparts in managing these sophisticated green houses. Canadian Trade Delegation Visits FFA Ministry of Food Production staff get training in irrigation systems at FFA’sMs Debra Boyce, Senior Trade Commissioner attached to theCanadian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago, visited Agricultural Innovation Parkthe FFA with a delegation led by Senator, the HonourableDr Don Meredith, on January 15th, 2015. The visitors were Left is Dr Daveinformed of the status of the Caribbean’s agricultural sector Goorahoo withand were apprised of the Faculty’s programmes and research, Ministry’s staffwhich were developed to address the needs of the Caribbean. and FFA Deputy Dean, Farms, Dean Bekele with Canadian Dr Govind Senator Dr Seepersad Don Meredith, left, and Mr As part of a training course in irrigation systems, Extension Joe Daniel, Officers of the Ministry of Food Production visited the MP, Canada, FFA’s Agricultural Innovation Park to study the submerged right aerated drip irrigation systems for peppers, that was set up as a trial by collaborator and Faculty alumnus, Dr Dave Goorahoo. Dr Goorahoo is currently located at the Centre for Irrigation Technology, California State University, Fresno.

Page 4 Faculty of Food and Agriculture Newsletter In vitro Clonal Propagation Becoming an Agricultural Entrepreneur Training Course How does an agricultural entrepreneur take an ideaClonal Propagation of Tropical Plants is the title of and transform it into a million dollar industry? a Mexican Government funded training course, to How does he manage his products across borders andbe offered in collaboration with the Yucatan Centre for maintain a proper supply chain? These were some ofScientific Research (CICY), Inter-American Institute the questions answered at a recently concluded trainingfor collaboration on Agriculture (IICA) and the Faculty programme, Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Supplyof Food and Agriculture (FFA). This training course Chain Management, hosted by the Indian Technicalwill take place at the newly installed FFA tissue culture EconomicCooperationProgramme atGujarat,India andlaboratory, which has been furnished with state-of-the- attended by Mr Alpha Sennon, graduate student at theart equipment. Planning meetings have taken place Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension.among Dr Carlos Borroto, Director General at CICY; Among the topics discussed were: opportunitiesDr Isaac Bekele, Dean FFA and Dr Lynda Wickham, in agribusiness; cultivating an 'entrepreneurial attitude'Deputy Dean Outreach and Internationalization, FFA. that will encourage innovation combining knowledge,The aim of this course is to instruct participants in ideas and skills to develop solutions to economic issuesthe techniques of plant tissue culture to mass clonal in the food and fiber system; assisting in developing apropagation of tropical plants, with special emphasis on comprehensive business plan; and understanding thethe scaling up of production with commercial purposes. commodity market and supply chain management. It is envisaged that by the end of this The training programme included a study tourcourse, which runs from June 15th to June 27th to Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Agra and Mount Abu. The2015, the 20 selected participants from the English- tour gave the participants, who represented 18 countriesspeaking Caribbean, would have been trained from around the world, exposure to Indian industrialin the implementation and management of a scenarios and cultural milieux and they were able tocommercial plant tissue culture facility (Biofactory). better understand the theory learnt in the classroom through the practical exposure. Mr Sennon attended the Vibrant Gujarat, a biennial investors' summit hosted by the Government of Gujarat and had the opportunity to interact with business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders as well as policy and opinion makers. Alpha Sennon at the Taj MahalDr Carlos Borroto receives a token from Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat

Volume 4 Issue 1 Page 5 Faculty Represented at AgrofestStudents of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture primary and secondary school students visited (FFA) Kris Grogan and Shaquille Watkins, along the site. However, the focus was on students fromwith Deputy Dean, Outreach and Internationalisation, forms four to six who showed keen interest in theDr Lynda Wickham represented the Faculty atAgrofest agricultural, environmental, geographical, and food2015: The National Agricultural Exhibition, held /nutritional science programmes offered at the FFA.in Barbados from 27th February to 1st March, 2014. Agricultural science teachers, guidance Activities on Friday 27th February were counsellors and teachers associated with schoolmost significant for the Faculty as scores of environmental clubs were appreciative of the information received with respect to the array of career Mrs Ena Harvey was presented paths available after pursuing studies at the FFA. with FFA brochures The overall visit was a success and a number of communication links were created, including the Barbados Diabetes Association whose focus is directed to alternative flour production; Inter- American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Barbados Office, where IICA Representative, Mrs Ena Harvey was presented with FFA brochures to display at the Barbados office. FFA brochures were given to all teachers and guidance counsellors who visited the booth and promotional material was also left to be distributed to guidance counsellors in schools throughout the island. As a result of using the booth, the FFA was also given free airtime to advertise its programmes on a new television channel.Faculty of Food and Agriculture thanked for its continued support to Nevis Open DayThe Faculty of Food and Agriculture was Mrs Singh conducted a demonstration on represented by Mr Terry Sampson and Mrs making flavoured feta cheeses with a CaribbeanMichele Singh at the Nevis Open Day which twist, which was well received as indicated by thetook place from 26th and 27th March 2015. enthusiastic audience attendance and participation. The Premier of Nevis, the Honourable MrVance Amory expressed his pleasure at the Faculty’s Mr Terry Sampsonregular attendance and support of the Open Day speaks with Mr Ericsince its inception, and thanked the University for its Evelyn, Permanentcontribution to the island’s agricultural development. Many of the visitors to the Faculty’s booth Secretary insought information on irrigation practices and the Ministry ofmeasures to overcome severe weather impact on Agriculture andfood production. Requests for the teaching of the Mr Vance Amory,Diploma in Agriculture to be conducted through Premier of Nevisdistance learning were discussed. In addition, shortcourse training in green house management and low Mrs Singhvolume irrigation methods were identified as areas conductsof priority. Other areas of interest included training a methodin effective sanitation practices to prevent pathogen demonstrationbuild-up in the green house and hydroponic systems. on making flavoured feta cheeses

Page 6 Faculty of Food and Agriculture Newsletter The Israel Experience“What was evident was that no individual party of the linkage worked in isolation. Each arm was familiar with thework of the other. The link among the stakeholders was recognized as critical to overall agricultural development.Israel’s success in agriculture serves as a testimony to the benefits of Research-Extension-Farmer linkages.” This ac- of any linkage requires equal contribution from all stakeholders; all parties must recognize their cording objectives within the broader goals. This suggests that researchers must not be performing their duties to Mrs in isolation, while exhibiting reluctance to work with the extension service, whose main function Tessa is to facilitate a two-way information exchange between research organizations and farmers. In many Barry, instances, the success of agriculture can be attributed to the ability of researchers, extension workers and graduate farmers to maintain a long-term relationship. The sharing of knowledge advances all who are involved. student Given the myriad of problems existing in the region’s agricultural sector, it is imperative that in the stakeholders invest in strengthening Research- Extension-Farmer linkages to achieve what must be a Depart- common goal to all, the development of the farmer.” The course was sponsored by MASHAV/ ment of CINADCO (Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation) with assistance Agri- from the Faculty of Food and Agriculture. culturalMrs Barry receives her certificate E c o - of participation nom- ics andExtension, who attended a training course in Israel,from January 26th to February 12th 2015. Accordingto Mrs Barry, she saw how research, extension andfarmers collaborated in identifying research problems,adapted the recommended solutions to local condi-tions and provided feedback about these solutions. Mrs Barry added that, “The long-term success Thought for Food Global SummitThe 2014 Thought for Food (TFF) Global to build teams within Caribbean universities Challenge culminated with a Summit which would come up with innovative ideasin February 2015 in Lisbon, Portugal. The of how to feed 9 billion people by 2050.challenge encouraged the world’s best andbrightest university students to form teams From left: Keron Bascombe, Christene Gould (co-founderand develop breakthrough projects that of TFF), Alpha Sennon and Luke Smithaddress the global challenge of feedingnine billion people by 2050. Graduate students of the DepartmentofAgricultural Economics and Extension, MrAlpha Sennon, Mr Luke Smith and Mr KeronBascombe were sponsored by the Thoughtfor Food Organization to attend the summitsince they served as ambassadors for thecompetition and summit.Their major role was

Volume 4 Issue 1 Page 7Preparing Graduate Students for Sustainable Environmental WorkR to L: Dr Wayne Ganpat, Mr Omardath Maharaj and students on a study tour of the Cunupia river, following its course into the Gulf of Paria, to look at the sustainability of theMany persons can talk at length on the environment practices of fisherfolk and the work of a group of concerned and its sustainability, but only a few will ever take citizens. The visit was facilitated by Mr Omardath Maharajaction. The FFA is preparing a cohort of professionals to from iTHINK Global Consulting Services and consultant totake decisive action to ensure sustainable practices are the Felicity/ Charlieville Fishing Association (FCFA).the norm, rather than the exception. With this in mind, Dr Students were expected to conduct assessments andWayne Ganpat, lecturer in the Department of Agricultural plan a sustainable rural development project for the area.Economics and Extension, took his class of graduate students According to Mr Maharaj, a past student from the course, “this education exchange allowed graduate students pursuing the course in Sustainable Rural Development to experience a fishing community and the daily routine of fisherfolk who depend on the Gulf of Paria fishery. The arrangement would also allow for fisherfolk to benefit from UWI classroom presentations and research conducted by the students who have either policy or anecdotal proposals on how their livelihoods may be enriched or diversified.” According to Dr Ganpat, “we have to give those who feel they have no option but to scrape the Gulf, an alternative means of earning a living. The challenge for all of us, academics and activists, is to work to help those who are unable to help themselves out of the treadmill of unsustainable practices.” Submitted by: Dr Wayne Ganpat, Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension“The Taste of the Caribbean” is highlighted as part of the “Development of Caribbean Cuisine” course which is offered as part of the Human Ecology degree Students dress in Development of Caribbean Cuisine is a course traditional wear and designed to explore the history, development and display some of their creativity of Caribbean cuisine, with particular reference to cooking traditions, by exploring a variety dishes of traditional dishes from various Caribbean islands. The course, coordinated by Ms NequeshaSubmitted by: Ms Nequesha Dalrymple, Instructor, Dalrymple, emphasizes the use of local productsDepartment of Agricultural Economics and Extension in Caribbean food security and also highlights opportunities for entrepreneurial growth and development in the food industry and the food service sector. As part of the course requirements, a practical component is conducted whereby the students are expected to present dishes from different Caribbean islands and take individuals on a culinary journey. Students choose a country of interest and research and prepare a complete traditional meal of that country. The presentation includes the history, dress, folklore, language, songs, dances, cultural facts and traditional remedies of the chosen island.

Page 8 Faculty of Food and Agriculture Newsletter Habitat for Humanity Food Production Workshop Members of the Agricultural Society preparing training/planting session which took place on Saturday 29th November, 2014, at Harmony Hall, Gasparillo. the soil for planting Dr Wickham welcomed those present and gave the introductory segment on the right growingStudents of the Agricultural Society (Hamza Ali, environment, including soil type and additives, Shaquille Watkins and Marinus Jules) partnered with crop growth requirements and the significancemembers of the Harmony Hall community, including the of competition from weeds. Mr Lionel Ramroopcommunity leader; staff of the FFA (Dr Lynda Wickham, followed with a demonstration of the constructionMs Sally Ann Henry); Mr Lionel Ramroop, home gardening of and establishment of plants in a grow box.specialist, from the Ministry of Food Production; He also demonstrated the establishment ofThe UWI student volunteers (Mrs Patricia Jagessar sweet potato slips in a ridge and furrow system.Clement, Mr Deepak Ramroop) and Ms Elizabeth Callan, Students of the Agricultural Society assistedgrant writer at the Habitat for Humanity and other community members in the establishment ofrepresentatives from Habitat for Humanity to conduct a a vegetable bed and container planting. The session also included reference to the nutritional advantages of certain vegetables and the health and economic benefits of home gardening. At the end of the session, residents were given seeds, seedlings, manure and new knowledge hoping to apply it to their own home gardens and someday reap the awards. Persons from Habitat for Humanity expressed their gratitude to the FFA for providing the seed, seedlings, manure and for coming out and sharing their knowledge with the residents of Harmony Hall. Follow-up sessions are planned by the Agricultural Society students for the new semester including a demonstration of the composting of organic domestic waste. The Agricultural Society to assist the Wild Fowl Trust The Agricultural society was asked by the board members of the Point-a- Pierre Wild Fowl Trust to help rehabilitate the area, help decide what trees are best suited for their unoccupied areas and how best to use the unused space. Members went to the Wild Fowl Trust on two occasions to collect data and take soil samples for testing. The final segment of this project involves gathering volunteers to go to the trust and be part of the planting activities. UWI Agricultural Society members at Wild Fowl Trust

Volume 4 Issue 1 Page 9Students get opportunity to study at International UniversitiesHere’s your chance to spend a semester studying abroad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison!The UWI has had an undergraduate/graduate exchangeprogramme with the UW-Madison for over 20 yearsand over 190 students have participated. Studentstake the courses at Madison but receive credit forthose matching courses at UWI. Now organisedthrough the Office of Institutional Advancementand Internationalisation, students could find outmore about exchange programmes at Wisconsinand other universities that have memoranda ofunderstanding with FFA eg McGill University,Canada and University of Florida, Gainesville.Following-up from meetings held earlier with DeanBekele and staff members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ms Kelli Cameron, Director of InternationalProgrammes at the University of Wisconsin, Madison(right) visited the Faculty from March 2nd to 5th 2015, tomeet with students and staff with the hope of revitalizingthis exciting exchange programme.Human Nutrition and Dietetics student wins big at Indigenous Innovative Fiery Foods FestivalAt the first Indigenous Innovative Fiery Foods Festival competition held by CARIRI and the Centre forEnterprise Development in April 2015, Human Nutrition and Dietetics student Kerry Ann Deo came awaywith the following prizes for the dishes she prepared, that required the use of local peppers and otherhot spices as the main ingredients. The Faculty congratulates Kerry Ann on her big win!Most Innovative Dish:Ist place: Spicy chocolate avocado mousse withpepper topping2nd Place (Tie): Spicy Chicken KievMost Innovative Plating: Kerry1st Place: Spicy chocolate avocado mousse with Annpepper topping DeoHottest/Best Tasting Food: with1st Place: Spicy chocolate avocado mousse with herpepper topping prizesBest Use of Indigenous Ingredients:1st Place: Spicy chocolate avocado mousse withpepper toppingOverall Winner: Submitted by: Ms Nequesha Dalrymple, Instructor,1st Place: Spicy chocolate avocado mousse with Department of Agricultural Economics andpepper topping Extension

Page 10 Faculty of Food and Agriculture Newsletter Promoting the Faculty Traditional Food WaysIn accordance with the Faculty’s materials to all the other schools Food writer, policy to popularise the Faculty that did not attend the fairs. To this food styl-and its programmes, undergraduate end, Mr Hamza Ali and Mr Ryan ist, and foodand graduate students led Seemungal visited 26 schools photogra-an initiative to promote the across Trinidad over a 3-day pher Ms Cyn-programmes offered by the Faculty period and delivered an attractive thia Nelson,of Food and Agriculture during and specially packaged set of was invitedthe period February to April 2015. brochures to each principal. They by the De-The first phase of promotions indicated that principals were very partment ofwas spearheaded by Ms Marisa pleased to receive the materials AgriculturalDowrich. Students participated in and to share them with students. Economics11 career fairs across the country More than 2,000 students were and Exten-during the months of February and able to receive the information on sion, to shareMarch and targeted at least five the Facultys’ programmes. Plans with stu-secondary schools each day. Mr are to increase the number of dents, whoDe Shorn Bramble was the key school visits the following year. are studyingorganiser in mobilizing faculty Other students who nutrition and dietetics, and nutri-students to participate in these assisted with this promotional tional sciences, her thoughts on theevents. The students, who were all activity included Tracy James, importance of traditional food ways.passionate about the programmes Shaquille Watkins, Gem Thomas, To this end, Ms Nelson presented abeing offered by the faculty, were Shabana Smith, Safiiyah Hosein, stimulating seminar on The Foodieable to transfer their enthusiasm Ryan Proverbs, Luke Smith, Moment: Challenges and Possibilitiesin their interaction with the Kris Grogan, Chantal Brunton on 26th March 2015. Ms Nelson is thesecondary school students. They and Ananda Ramlochan. author of Tastes Like Home, My Ca-distributed brochures specially Ms Tharā Gabriel, ribbean Cookbook.prepared for this exercise as Dean’s Office, coordinatedwell as prizes for interaction. the activities for this project. Obituary In the second phase, the goal was to get brochures and other Harjit Singh Rekhi, former Hamza Ali presents promotional Professor at the Department of package to Vice Principal of Swaha Food Production, passed away Hindu College, Pundit Ishwar Madho on Monday December 15, 2014. MaharajRyan Seemungal presents package Submitted by: Dr Wayne Ganpat, Lecturer, Professor Rekhi contributed to theto Mrs Ali, Principal of Couva East Department of Agricultural Economics and teaching of several courses in the Extension department: Introduction to Genetics, Secondary School Agricultural Biotechnology, and Principles of Plant and Animal Breeding. The Faculty offers condolences to Professor Rekhi’s family.

Volume 4 Issue 1 Page 11 Celebrating the Faculty’s AlumniDear readers, in our “Celebrating the Faculty’s Alumni” feature, in this issue we are proud to feature Facultyalumna, Dr Jann Joseph.Aholder of a BSc degree in and college-wide initiatives. She academic excellence is the hallmark Agriculture (Faculty of continues to be a strong advocateAgriculture, The UWI) and Master for students in Indiana. In Michigan of her service as a professor andof Science in Plant Science (Faculty she served as the chair of theof Science, The UWI), Jann leader, and she taught many coursesJosephcontinuedhereduation Michigan Deans of Educationin the field of curriculum Council, a body representing the in her disciplines of biology andand instruction (science fifteen public universities thateducation) at the University prepare teachers in Michigan. science education. Beforeof Wisconsin, where she Dr Joseph worked with herobtained a doctorate. fellow deans to develop and share joining IUSB and EMU she was Dr Joseph started her policies and positions impactingrole as the Executive Vice teacher preparation and K-12 a full professor and AssociateChancellor for Academic education in Michigan. She alsoAffairs at Indiana University served on the executive board Dean at Grand Valley StateSouth Bend (IUSB) on July of the Michigan Association of1, 2014. Prior to joining Teacher Education (MACTE) University (GVSU). She wasIUSB she served as Dean of the state body affiliated tothe College of Education at the American Association of the founding coordinator ofEastern Michigan University Colleges for Teacher Education(EMU). For the last 28 years (AACTE) and was also EMU’s the Integrated Science programshe has been committed key representative to AACTE.to teaching, educator Dr Joseph’s commitment to at GVSU where she led apreparation, and effectiveleadership in higher education. team of faculty to develop theShe is responsible for providingdynamic leadership, serving as curriculum and obtain statethe university’s spokesperson foracademic and student affairs, and approval for a unique majorcollaboratively facilitating thestrategic direction of the university. that seamlessly blends scientificHer insights and contributionssupport the mission of the university. content with pedagogy.Dr Joseph seeks opportunitiesto improve programmes while Dr Joseph has authoredadhering to strong fiscal models anda clear strategic plan. During her several peer-reviewedtenure at EMU the college obtainedmore than $2.2M of external funds publications and has madethrough state appropriations, privatefoundation grants, state grants and numerous presentationsprivate donors’funds for scholarships at regional, national, and international conferences. Conference Reminder Commercializing Breadfruit for Food and Nutrition Security is the theme of an international breadfruit conference to be held in Trinidad from the 5th to 10th July 2015. The main host is the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies. For more information please check http://sta. uwi.edu/conferences/15/ breadfruit or email: breadfruit. [email protected].

Page 12 Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsletterFood Safety Studies in the Department Visiting lecturer speaks on Agrogeology of Food ProductionThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has dedicated Agrogeology – Geology in the Service of Agriculture was its World Health Day 2015 (7th April, 2015) to the title of the presentation given by visiting Professor‘Food Safety’. The Department of Food Production Emeritus Peter van Straaten from the Ontario Agriculturaloffers courses in food safety both at the undergraduate College, University of Guelph, Canada during a visit toand postgraduate levels. In addition, research projects the Department of Food Production, Faculty of Food andon food safety are conducted by students and staff. Agriculture on Thursday 26th February, 2015. One such study investigated the burden and impact In his presentation, Professor van Straaten describedof acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and food borne pathogens agrogeology as having two main aspects: (i) the influence ofin Trinidad and Tobago. It was estimated that 135,820 parent material on soil development and soil properties andAGE cases occurred in 2009 (84% underreporting), (ii) beneficial application of rocks and minerals to enhanceand for every 1 AGE case reported, an additional productivity of soils (Rocks for Crops). He emphasizedunreported 6.17 cases occurred in the community. that soil fertility depletion is one of the fundamental constraints to increased agricultural productivity in many Huge Health and Economic Burden tropical countries, where long periods of continuous cultivation without nutrient replenishment resulted in theFoodborne diseases impede socio-economic development depletion of inherent soil fertility and subsequent decline inby straining health care systems, and harming national productivity.economies, tourism and trade. The study also found that He also stated that fertilizers are expensive and thethe estimated annual economic cost of AGE ranged from annual soil depletion rate in sub-Saharan Africa of 22 kgUS$27,331 to US$19,736,344. Acute gastroenteritis thus (N), 2.5 kg (P) and 15 kg (K) per hectare of cultivated landposes a huge health and economic burden on Trinidad and per year, is equivalent to US $4 billion in fertilizer costs. HisTobago. research describes how local phosphate and potash rocks Consumersexpectprotectionfromhazardsoccurring can be used to alleviate these costs and sustain agriculturalalong the entire food chain, from the primary producer to productivity.the consumers, hence the farm to table continuum. The lackof consumer awareness and understanding of safe home Submitted by: Dr Ravindra Ramnarine and Prof Neela Badrie,practices is widely believed to be a major contributing Department of Food Productionfactor in many cases of home food-related illness. Hence,the consumer could be regarded as a ‘risk manager’, withthe responsibility for self-protection in the home.Submitted by Professor Neela Badrie, Department ofFood Production The Faculty’s Alumni Continue to Serve in Leadership PositionsMr Barton The Faculty congratulates Dr Lystra Fletcher-PaulClarke amd Mr Barton Clarke, both alumni, who have been appointed as Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Trinidad and Tobago Office and Executive Director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, respectively. Principal Clement Sankat greets Dr Lystra Fletcher-Paul during a courtesy call