Tobago Agri-Tech summit carded for December 2, 3

Technocrats, farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural industry will soon come together for the Tobago Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, hosted by the Tobago Agri-Technology Services Ltd under the THA Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development.

The aim of strategising on ways to help food producers become more climate resilient.

The summit – Tobago Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024 carded for December 2 and 3, says secretary of the division Nathisha Charles-Pantin, represents a pivotal moment, not only for Tobago, “but for our broader commitment to sustainable agricultural development in the Caribbean.”

At the launch on October 15 at the division’s conference room, Charles-Pantin said the summit isn’t just another conference but rather “a strategic response to some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

“We are living in an era of profound change, one marked by unpredictable climate patterns, food security risks and increasing pressures on our agricultural systems. At the same time, technological advancement has presented us with innovative tools that can transform agriculture into a more efficient, resilient and sustainable industry.”

The summit, she said, comes at a time when these global challenges demand action. She said by harnessing the power of technology and innovation in agriculture, sustainable pathways can be created to address critical issues such as food insecurities, environmental degradation and rural poverty.

“This summit serves as a strategic platform for innovation – demonstrating how agri-tech can enhance food production through smart farming, automated systems and climate-resilient practices.”

The theme of the summit – Climate change, resilience and adaptation in agriculture – she said, reflects a reality that can no longer be ignored. Climate change, she said, is no longer an abstract threat, but the Caribbean.

“From unpredictable rainfall patterns to stronger storms, our farmers are already seeing the consequences in their daily work. start new paragraph here The summit is essential because it focuses on equipping our famers and agricultural entrepreneurs with tools to adapt and thrive in this changing environment. Agri-tech is our ally in mitigating the risk associated with climate change, whether through drought-resistant crops, digital monitoring systems or precision irrigation.”

She said the technologies that would be showcased at the summit will be at the forefront of addressing the challenges head-on.

She stressed that it is more than just adaptation, but about building resilience. The strategies discussed and implemented, she said, will be crucial to safeguarding the food systems, protecting livelihoods and ensuring that future generations have the resources they need to thrive.

The summit, she said is expected to cost the division between $2 and $3 million, and shifting World Food Day celebrations from the Dwight Yorke Stadium to the Shaw Park Food Hub has greatly assisted.

“so, by chance, we happened to use the food hub, which took away a majority of the cost that was channelled into hosting World Food Day. It cut the budget significantly so we’re able to put funds into the summit. But it is a paid event, so you would be making back something from the event.”