CDA partners with private sector to increase food security

The Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) has partnered with privately owned Chaguaramas Farms Ltd/Caribbean Chemicals and Agencies Limited (CFL/CCL) to develop 55 acres of lands at Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas, into an Agro Park for sustainable crop production activities.

This follows a negotiated agreement between the CDA and CFL/CCL to make available to the Government, approximately 40 acres of prime, fertile lands with agricultural infrastructure from its original 100-acre mega-farm project. It is one of many new initiatives being undertaken by the CDA as part of a more holistic development plan for the Chaguaramas Peninsula.

The Agro Park will be allocated to registered farmers on a lease arrangement for agricultural production, and is expected to become operational by October 15. Farmers utilising the Agro Park are expected to benefit immensely from a facility that integrates all facets of the agricultural value chain, from pre-production to actual production, post harvesting and marketing. In addition to the commercial production areas on the Agro Park, there will be areas reserved for training and demonstration purposes with respect to the range of production technologies available and their outcomes. Technical support to the farmers and the CDA for the project will be provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and the private sector.

This public/private partnership is consistent with the CDA’s mandate to develop Chaguaramas lands in the interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and is expected to play its role in contributing to Government’s efforts of improving the nation’s food security, reducing the overall food import bill and providing opportunities to farmers who are key to developing and maintaining local food baskets.