Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo (left); and Shanae Beckles (right) present the Christopher Beckles Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Conduct and an Exemplary Work Ethic in the Youth in Agriculture Programme to Derriston Harewood. Collecting on his behalf is Danielle Goddard.
Youth challenge being addressed
ONE of the challenges confronting the agricultural sector is the lack of young persons involved in it as the average age of persons is over 50.
Chief Agricultural Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, Lennox Chandler, made mention of this as he delivered remarks on Sunday night at the Graduation and Opening Ceremony for the Youth in Agriculture Programme Phase 10 at the Ellerton Community Centre, Ellerton, St. George.
“I must admit that agriculture and its development in Barbados is not without its share of challenges, including an ageing farming population and a noted decline in youth involvement in agriculture. Indeed, the Ministry has observed that the average age of persons in Barbados actively involved in agriculture was over 50 years and was a great cause for concern.”
He said that the Ministry aimed to rectify this matter by actively seeking out ways in which they could get the youth interested and invested in this sector through various programmes and initiatives.
“The Ministry and its supporting agencies therefore sought to remedy this issue by intensifying efforts to encourage younger persons to pursue careers in agriculture and facilitate training programmes to educate our youth, whether they are provided by Government or by non-governmental organisations.”
Chandler said that their efforts are proving to be successful with the average age of farmers registered for their Youth in Agriculture Programme being 38 years old.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to say that our efforts are bearing fruit. The Ministry of Agriculture can report that the average age of registered farmers in 2015 was 38 years. And thanks to the Youth in Agriculture Programme and other targeted initiatives, we are making inroads in engaging our youth and seeing them become more involved in agriculture.”
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Patrick Todd, agreed. “The programme has been facilitated through a plot of land located in the compound of the Animal Nutrition Unit and managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management. It began on May 13, 2008 with six participants and soon rose to 25 participants including three females.”
He continued, “It has been carrying out an invaluable task. It is aimed at inculcating agricultural skills within the youth, while building a cadre of young farmers that will continue the legacy of food production for the citizens of Barbados. Approximately 35 participants per year have benefitted in each year of this ten-year programme.”