World Food Day 2025 celebrations have been ramped up in Tobago.
At the World Food Day Exhibition Opening Ceremony at the Shaw Park Food Hub, Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said “agriculture is up and running in Tobago.”
This, as he highlighted several initiatives by the THA aimed at boosting the production of high-quality goods in Tobago.
“The fact that we are looking to have the next abattoir in that Hope Farm area to cater for our pig and cattle farmers coming out of the north. When we think of how we have redone the Kendall Farm School to produce our agriculture and research institute and the partnership we have with the University of Trinidad and Tobago where our farmers and our young people can be degreed by studying right there at our Kendall Farm School. When we look at the amount of monies we spent to rebuild the abattoir in Scarborough so that we can stop the backyard butchering.”
THA Secretary of Food Security Nathisha Charles-Pantin said the Division’s approach is in sync with the theme for this year’s World Food Day observance. She shared that they have been working hand in hand with stakeholders.
“Building access roads and introducing programmes like our community care initiative where farmers are contracted to supply fresh produce for our monthly food boxes, ensuring nutritious support goes directly to those in need. Our recently held Lamb Fest was another proud example held hand in hand with the Tobago Integrated Livestock Association, who mobilised our local livestock farmers to produce enough lambs for our caterers to showcase the quality of Tobago’s meats. We also move hand in hand with our fisherfolk as we upgrade and modernise fish facilities.”
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine called on Tobagonians to support local farmers and fishers. He also issued a challenge to both the Division and the island’s youth.
“Challenge the Division to work with our farmers to get to the point and farmers and fishers where they engage in having insurance for their businesses so that when the effects of climate change hit, you not at the mercy of a grant from somebody somewhere else to get your business restarted. That’s the next step. I also want to challenge young people that you should get involved in this industry. There is nothing wrong with this industry. It is an attractive industry.”
Chairperson of the World Food Day National Committee Pamela Ramroop commended the Division for the work that they have done.
“For its continued leadership in hosting this grand annual event which raises awareness of food security and sustainability issues that affect us all. World Food Day is designed to create public awareness and action on the complex issues of ensuring food security for everyone.”
The World Food Day Exhibition ended on Thursday. Next on the Division’s calendar of events is the Horticulture Show to be held on October 29th and 30th.