PM Keith Rowley inaugurates Trinidad and Tobago Agri-Expo 2024

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley officially opened the Trinidad and Tobago Agri-Expo 2024 by cutting the ribbon at the Queen’s Park Savannah. He reiterated his commitment to reduce the region’s large food import bill by 25% by 2025.

Notably, Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Agri-Expo 2024 under the theme “Farm to Table – Revolutionising the Local Food Supply Chain.” It took place from August 16-18 and featured over 300 exhibitors with a vision to increase awareness about the importance of development in agriculture sector.

During the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister addressed everyone and stated that this Agri-Expo 2024 is a crucial component of their main mission implemented by Heads of Government of CARICOM.

While shedding light on the offerings of the TT Agri-Expo 2024, the Prime Minister stated that this exhibition offers the public, especially young people, a chance to learn about local food production and export.

He added that his administration is actively investing and making continuous measures to engage young farmers and elevate the agriculture sector of the country to greater heights. The Prime Minister shared that they are currently in a program of training an output of 1500 young people with 200 at a time.

Dr. Rowley urged the public to back local agricultural businesses, emphasizing the importance of food security in today’s world. He pointed out that local food production not only offers job opportunities but also fosters business development and economic growth. He added that the products they are producing is appealing, healthy and beneficial for everyone.

The Prime Minister called agriculture, “the backbone of their economy” and emphasised the need to develop it to greater heights. This exhibition is hosted to bring the nation closer, especially the young people to make them understand that there are people who spend their time, energies and entrepreneurial skills doing thing that result in having locally produced food.

The Prime Minister stated that they have a very large food import bill and much of it is for feed stock for animals to generate a protein. He added that they are also encouraging fresh produce as a healthier alternative for packaged salts and fatty foods. He expressed hope that, with these items becoming more readily available, more people will incorporate them into their cooking, thereby improving the nation’s overall dietary habits.

While emphasizing the importance of local production, he stated that this would reduce the need to rely on imported goods. He explained that efforts to boost production within the country would play a significant role and offer a great opportunity for employment, business development, and growth for a large segment of the population.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of several delegates including, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Kazim Hosein; Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Avinash Singh; Minister for Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy of Antigua and Barbuda, Anthony Smith; and Minister of Planning, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure Development of the Cayman Islands, Johany Ebanks.