The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries today officially inaugurated the Brechin Castle Agro-Processing Facility in Couva, marking a major step in the Ministry’s ongoing drive to modernise and industrialise Trinidad and Tobago’s agro-processing sector.
The Brechin Castle Agro-Processing Facility is designed to process high volumes of agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses, absorb market surpluses, and convert raw commodities into value-added, export-ready products. The facility also strengthens the country’s agro-industrial capacity through improved processing, packaging, shelf-life extension, and export readiness.
The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar S.C. M.P., Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the Government’s commitment to strengthening food security and empowering local farmers through value-added agriculture. During her address, the Prime Minister stated, “This is agriculture driven not only by cultivation, but also by processing, branding, exports and innovation,” as she highlighted the transformative role of the Brechin Castle Agro-Processing Facility in advancing the nation’s agricultural sector. The Prime Minister also expressed sincere appreciation to the government and people of India for their support in making the facility possible, describing the initiative as a symbol of the enduring partnership and shared developmental goals between Trinidad and Tobago and India.
Speaking at the event, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, described the facility as a transformative investment capable of redefining the future of agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago. “Today, we are not simply opening a facility. We are activating a new economic frontier for Trinidad and Tobago. This is not incremental progress. This is a structural transformation,” the minister stated.
Minister Raitram further emphasised that the facility forms part of a broader strategy to reposition agriculture as a modern, technology-driven, and globally competitive industry capable of generating sustainable economic growth, strengthening food security, stabilising markets, and increasing foreign exchange earnings through export expansion.
The Minister also acknowledged the continued partnership and support of the Government of India in strengthening agricultural development, technical cooperation, and institutional capacity building in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of the Republic of India, the Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, the Honourable Barry Padarath, Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and The Honourable Saddam Hosein, Minister of Land and Legal Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, also delivered remarks.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to expanding strategic agricultural infrastructure and creating increased opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses, and investors throughout the agricultural value chain.
