Trinidad & Tobago

Profile

The twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the leading producer of oil and gas in the Caribbean. As a result, the agricultural sector is small by comparison but is still regarded as a socially and commercially important sector, as it accounts for use of some 16.7% of the land area. While the contribution of the agricultural sector to the GDP of the country is less than 1%, it contributes 5% to total employment, and is particularly beneficial to those living in rural communities.

A national economic policy and strategy has been conceptualised which places greater emphasis on the growth of the non-oil foreign exchange earnings and relatively labour-intensive sectors of the economy, such as tourism, agriculture, agro-processing, and financial services.

Action Plan for Agriculture

The National Food production Action Plan 2012-2015 was developed out of this strategy and aims to:

reduce the food import bill
reduce food price inflation
create sustainable, long term productive employment
contribute to the diversification of the economy; and increase the country’s food security

Staples selected to be developed under the food security component of the plan were:

Rice
Dasheen
Cassava
Eddoes
Sweet Potatoes
Breadfruit

Vegetables earmarked to be grown to support the domestic market were:

Sweet Corn
Sweet Peppers
Pak Choi
Lettuce
Melongene

The plan also seeks to encourage the growth of legumes and pulses like:

Black Eye Peas
String Beans
Pigeon Peas
Bodi (long beans)
Seim (Dolichos lablab)

It also focuses on producing a year-round supply of fruits like:

Citrus
Sucrier
banana
Pineapple
Mango
Dwarf Pommecythere (golden apple)
Papaya (Pawpaw)
Avocado
Watermelon
Banana/Plantain
Coconuts for water

Livestock/ Aquaculture

The strategic plan in this area is to increase the levels of pork and poultry production as well as fish stock.

The 2012 – 2015 Action Plan outlines several challenges to the development of the sector including:

an inconsistent supply of vegetables during the year
inconsistent quality of vegetables
misuse of pesticides

As a result, a number of strategies have been developed to address these challenges. They include: the development of technology and infrastructure for post-harvest storage and the handling of produce; developing and encouraging farmers to use protected production systems; improving the system of farm certification; and, working with the Ministry of Health to develop the capability of pesticide testing of plant produce for consumption.

Investment opportunities

The country is described on the Invest TT website as one with a positive investment climate. It is also described as having a stable democracy and close relations with its Caribbean neighbours and major North American and European trading partners.

While manufacturing and services are two of the main areas where persons can invest, Invest TT believes there is some room for investment in agriculture. There are opportunities to invest in the agribusiness sector with the local food and beverage sector (measured and included in Manufacturing) offering significant investment opportunities. This is especially so for manufacturers who utilise unique regional agro-products to develop goods.

In light of increased access to global markets and North America’s desire for exotic foods, as well as the growth of gourmet lifestyles in more developed metropolitan communities, this sector has an opportunity to create and innovate in the production of specialty items for local, regional and international markets.

Another area in which persons can invest is the cocoa industry through the Lopinot Cocoa Estate project. Trinidad and Tobago enjoys a healthy comparative advantage in cocoa production with its unique combination of rich cocoa history, suitable soils and climate, investment in intellectual capital by having the longest continuous cocoa breeding programme in the world, and a one-of-a-kind universal collection of unique cocoa varieties. ‘Trinitario’ cocoa is in high demand throughout the globe by the most renowned of chocolatiers.

With regard to hot peppers, Trinidad and Tobago’s Scorpion Moruga pepper is the hottest naturally growing pepper in the world, rated the world’s hottest pepper by the New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute in February 2012. And the demand for pepper mash prepared from Trinidad and Tobago’s local hot peppers is steadily growing.

Main Activities

Monies for investment in agriculture can be accessed from the private and public sector.

Public Sector – Central Government:

An allocation of $0.831 billion was made to the agricultural sector in the 2015 Budgetary Proposals. Additionally, the cost of inputs into the agricultural sector, including approved chemicals, pest control, approved vehicles, approved fishing vessels and equipment will be exempt from all duties and taxes effective January 1, 2016.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries provides incentive programmes for individuals and businesses involved in the agricultural sector. Claims can be made for:

vehicles
machinery and equipment (includes beekeeping)
water (wells, dams, ponds)
soil conservation
land preparation
citrus fields
cocoa and coffee fields
coconut fields
livestock (beef, diary, goat and sheep)
guaranteed prices

State Owned Enterprises/Statutory Bodies

The Agricultural Development Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (ADB) specialises in development financing for the agricultural sector. It provides the best financial solutions that nurtures investment and entrepreneurship across the entire agri-food chain and in all aspects of agriculture.

The National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) assists in the development of investment profiles, establishing links with service providers and implementing pilot projects. It also offers services in identifying local and export market opportunities and developing value added products. NAMDEVCO covers markets in Macoya, Debe, Valencia, Chaguanas, Diego Martin, Point Fortin, Port of Spain and Orange Valley as well as a packing house at Piarco airport.

International Organisations

The IDB has partnered with Government aimed at improving Marketing and Production of Artisanal Cocoa from Trinidad and Tobago at an estimated cost of USD 1,550,000.

Agricultural Production

The Trinidad and Tobago Country Report indicates that land use for agricultural purposes has declined significantly over the years. Land use declined from 15.0 % in 1990 to 0.5% in 2010-2011, while permanent cropland went from 6.8% in 1990 to 4.3% in 2010-2011.

Agriculture in Trinidad is a market driven activity and the produce is sold locally at wholesale and retail markets, farmers’ markets, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. Produce is also sold at Farmgate – where wholesalers and distributors purchase solely from farmers, road-side vending, internet marketing and contract marketing. The National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation oversees all market activity.

Agriculture is administered in Trinidad by county. The seven (7) administrative county districts are: George West, St. George East, St. Andrew / St David, Caroni, Nariva / Mayaro, St Patrick and Victoria

Agricultural Import/Exports

There are approximately 30 agro-processors operating in Trinidad according to that country’s Manufacturing Association, however, the raw materials used in this process are usually imported from Guyana, St. Vincent and Grenada or in partially processed form from the United States.

Trinidad is a party to the 2010 International Cocoa Agreement and has traditionally exported its entire cocoa crop. However due to high labour costs, low farm productivity, the ageing farmer population and the unattractiveness of the industry to the younger generation as well as other challenges related to capital, access roads and land tenure, exports declined from 35,000 tonnes in the early 990s to 600 tonnes around 2012. The Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs had developed a number of strategies to double the output for export.

Agro processing

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association there are approximately 30 major agro-processors operating in Trinidad and Tobago. These companies source raw materials from Guyana, Grenada, St Vincent and much of it, in partially processed form, from the United States.

This is largely because there is no large-scale collection area/packing house that would allow farmers to store material. It was estimated that these processors supply around 8% of the processed foods consumed in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Trinidad Country Report lists the key agro processors as:

Organisation

No.	Name (Acronym):	Type of Business / Role(s)	Contact Person/ Designation / Postal Address	Contact information
1	Arena Farmers Group	AS-F / EX	# 172 Arena Road, Freeportor C/o Agricultural Society of Trinidad And Tobago (ASTT) Pembroke Street, Port of Spain	Tel: 868-627-3087
2	B & J Foods	PRV,	64 Forth Street, Tumpuna Road, Arima, Southern Port of Spain	Tel: (868) 643-0253
3	Belle Garden Farmers Association	AS-F / PP, TM, TR, RU, OT	Samuel Sylvester President Belle Garden Post Office, Belle Garden, Tobago	Tel: 868 660 4796, 868 660 4627
4	Bethel Farmers Association	AS-F / EX	Samuel Charles President #2 Montgomery Local Road Carnbee, Tobago	Tel: 868 639 7223
5	Bon Air Agro-Processors Limited	PRV / PS-M	#9 Ramcharan Street off Thavenot Street Tacarigua	Tel: 868 640-8859
6	C.A. Correia Trinidad Limited	PRV, PS-M	5A Old ST. Joseph Road, Laventille, Belmont North & West	Tel: (868) 623-4860
7	The Caribbean Coffee House Limited	PRV, PS-M	17B Diamond Vale, Industrial Estate, Diego Martain, Diamond Vale	Tel: (868) 637-6235, (868) 637-3306
8	Caribbean Specialty Food	PRV, PS-M	#67 Hillsdale Crescent, Mt. Hope, Southern Port of Spain	Tel: (868) 638-4286 Fax: (868) 653-2705 Mobile: (868) 757-2961
9	Caribbean Spices Ltd	PRV, PS-M	6 Nacir Street, Preysal, Couva, Southern Port of Spain	Tel: (868) 636-6658
10	Charles Candy Company Limited	PRV, PS-M	P.O. Box 1138 Port of Spain, Southern Port of Spain	Tel: 868 638 -6461, 868 638-6463
11	Chatak Food Products	PRV, PS-M	Frederick Settlement, Industrial Estate, Caroni, Munroe Road/Caroni Savannah	Tel: (868) 645-9648, (868) 645-9647, (868) 645-9641
12	Chief Brand Products Limited	PRV, PS-M	Uriah Butler Highway, Charlieville, P.O. Box 1042, Chaguanas, Charlieville	Tel: (868) 665-4144 , (868) 665-5012
13	Cunupia Farmers Association	AS-F / EX	C/o Anil Ramnarine LP #62 Esmerelda Road Cunupia
14	Depot Road Farmers Group	AS-F / EX	C/o Mrs. Miradai Seetahal LP 76-86 Depot Road Longdenville Post Office Via Chaguanas
15	Fresh Start Limited	PRV,	#25 Senior Street, Via Manning Street, Diego Martin Southern Port of Spain	Tel: (868) 637-4902
16	Friendsfield Young Farmers Association	AS-F / EX	Linton Thomas 91 Friendsfield Road Scarborough Tobago	Tel: 868 635 0859
17	Garden Fresh Produce		80 Sunkist Drive, Philipine, San Fernando, Les Efforts West/La Romain	Tel: (868) 653-3200, (868) 653-2824 Fax: (868) 653-2824 Gonzales
18	Jubilange People’s Cooperative Society	AS-F/PS-M	24 Jubilee Street
19	Kitch Mix Food Products Limited		Building 18 F, O’Meara Industrial East, Arima	Tel: (868) 646-3618
20	KMC Associates		2 Torquoise Drive, Diamond Vale, Diego Martin Gran Couva Main Road Gran Couva	Tel: (868) 632-0824
21	La Philipine Farmers Association	AS-F / EX	C/o Kenneth Heeralal	Tel: 868 679-9527
22	Las Cuevas Farmers and Homesteaders Association Ltd	AS-F / RU	Rincom Trace Las Cuevas	Tel: 868 622-1082
23	Leela Cubair		1 1/4 mm Chin Chin Road, Cunupia
24	Maloney Farmers Association	AS-F / EX	Abdul Young Street Aranguez	Tel: 868 638-9479
25	Mega Foods Company Limited		Lot 1C, O’Meara Industrial Estate, Arima	Tel: (868) 642-9064, (868) 642-3779 Fax: (868) 642-0634
26	Michael’s Marketing Agency		15 Woodpecker Lane, River Estate, Diego Martin, Morne Coco/Alyce Glen	Tel: (868) 637-0926
27	Mountain Fresh		#42 Main Road, Williamsville, Ben Lomond/Williamsville/Hardbargin	Tel: (868) 655-2063 Mobile: (868) 770-6387
28	Mt. St. George Farmers Association	AS-F / EX	Orwin Dillon President C/o Botanic Station Scarborough Tobago	Tel: 868 639-4356
29	National Canners Limited	PRV, PS-M	Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Arima, Arima Central	Tel: (868) 642-3091, (868) 642-3062, (868) 642-8959
30	National Fruit Processors Limited	PRV, PS-M	1A Century Drive, Trincity Industrial Estate, Southern Port of Spain	Tel: (868) 662-5470
31	Paramin Women’s Group		#2 Tangerine Drive, Santa Rosa Heights, Arina Southern Port of Spain	Tel: (868) 628-1008, (868) 680-6300 Fax: (868) 628-1008 Mobile: (868) 749-4226
32	Rainbow Country Food Products Limited		4 Temple Street, Mt. Lambert, Petit Bourg/Champ Fleurs/Mt. Lambert	Tel: (868) 675-2303¸ (868) 675-3184 Fax: (868) 675-2303
33	RHS Marketing		#5 Frederick Settlement, Industrial Estate, Caroni, Munroe Road/Caroni Savannah	Tel (868) 662-8381
34	Royal Castle Limited	PRV, PS-M	65 Western Main Road St James St. Ann’s River Central	868-622-1000
35	Tai Pan Industrial Ltd		5 B Trincity Industrial Estate, Macoya Road, Tunapuna, Southern Port of Spain	Tel: (868) 645-1239, (868) 663-9877
36	Tobago East Association of Farmers	AS-F / PP	Linton Thomas C/o Eon Robley, 23 Breadfruit Alley, Argyle, Tobago	Tel: 868 660 6324, 868 684 1607
37	Tropical Fruits	PRV, PS-M	15 Dinoo Road Charlieville, Chaguanas Southern Port of Spain	Tel: 868 655-6763
38	Tro-Pickle Foods	PRV, PS-M	#17 Nelson Road, Freeport, Freeport/Calcutta	Tel: (868) 673-4204 Fax: (868) 673-4204 Mobile: (868) 780-5133
39	Turban Broad Producers Limited	PRV, PS-M	188 Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna, Auzoniville/St Benedict	Tel: (868) 663-0324
40	T. Geddes Grant Ltd	PRV, PS-S	61-63 Edward St.,	Te:l 868 623 4450, 868 625 1681 shanson@tgeddesgrant.com http://www.tgeddesgrant.com/
41	VEMCO Limited	PRV, PS-M	Lot 9A, Diamond Vale, Industrial Estate, Diego Martin, Diamond Vale	Tel: (868) 623-0443, (868) 633-5339 Fax: (868) 633-7159
42	Willies Homemade Ice Cream	PRV, PS-M	L.P. 32 Arena Road, Freeport	Tel: (868) 673-0537 , (868) 673-3468
43	Sesame Foods Limited	PRV, PS-M	319 Mission Road, Freeport	Tel: (868) 673-0015