Read full statement below:
On Wednesday 10th June, 2026, the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO), under the BIOREACH Project, officially launched the Tobago Cohort of the Lead Farmer Training Programme (LFTP) at the Division of Food Security, Administrative Complex, Tobago.
The event welcomed farmers, lead farmers, extension officers, agricultural stakeholders, and representatives from key partner institutions, highlighting the broad support for sustainable agricultural development and capacity building in Tobago.
Representing NAMDEVCO’s Board of Directors, Ms. Tinisha Cupid delivered remarks and reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen farmers’ capacity, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and contribute to the continued growth and development of Tobago’s agricultural sector. A video presentation was also shared featuring highlights from the Lead Farmer Training Programme Graduation Ceremony in Trinidad, including an address by Ms. Nirmalla Debysingh, Chief Executive Officer of NAMDEVCO.
At the event, remarks were also delivered by Mr. Julien Skeete, Administrator, Division of Food Security, Tobago House of Assembly; Ms. Sandra Williams, Technical Advisor (Tobago), BIOREACH; and Mr. Narendra Sookdeo, Technical Officer, BIOREACH (NAMDEVCO). Mr. Kevon Pirali, Technical Field Assistant, BIOREACH (NAMDEVCO), was also in attendance, representing the BIOREACH technical team.
Participants also received a comprehensive overview of the programme from the BIOREACH Project’s Master Trainer, Ms. Deanne Ramroop, while Host Farmer, Mr. Sean Baldeau, shared a testimonial highlighting the practical benefits and positive impact of the initiative on farming operations.
The Lead Farmer Training Programme is a flagship initiative of the BIOREACH Project designed to equip farmers and extension officers with practical knowledge and leadership skills in agroecology, climate-smart agriculture, integrated pest management, soil health, business planning, and sustainable farming practices.
Training will officially commence on June 23, 2026, when participants begin a comprehensive learning journey aimed at building resilient, productive, and competitive agricultural systems throughout Tobago.
The BIOREACH Project (Biodiversity Conservation and Agroecological Land Restoration in Productive Landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago) is implemented by NAMDEVCO in partnership with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Through initiatives such as the Lead Farmer Training Programme, NAMDEVCO continues to advance a more resilient, innovative, and future-ready agricultural sector for Trinidad and Tobago.