Thirty-six (36) agricultural entrepreneurs were officially welcomed today (October 18) into the 2016/2017 cohort of the National Agricultural Enterprise Business Training Programme, the annual technology and agri-business skills training programme run by the University of Trinidad and Tobago in partnership with LNG producer Atlantic.
Camille Salandy, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Communications explained that the thirty-six entrepreneurs were contributing to the national push towards food security and economic diversification.
“Atlantic has invested in this initiative because it is an integral part of our focus on Sustainability, building opportunities for the future,” Salandy said. “To help ensure the future, Atlantic has partnered with the University of Trinidad and Tobago to facilitate the development of a growing cadre of business men and business women who are serious about agriculture, food production and related businesses, and the vital contribution that these all make to our country.”
This year’s participant complement is made up of both seasoned and first-time agricultural entrepreneurs across a wide range of enterprises including livestock, tree crops, aquaculture, food crops and root crops.
The annual three-month programme will be run at the UTT’s Chaguanas campus and focuses on the development of agricultural entrepreneurs in the South West Peninsula and the wider Trinidad and Tobago community. The programme includes modules on business plan development; computer technology for agricultural businesses; marketing and market planning; and the legal framework for local business.
Since its establishment in 2010, the National Agricultural Enterprise Business Training Programme has trained one hundred and eighty three (183) agricultural entrepreneurs. The Programme aims to upgrade business acumen in local agriculture and create opportunities for economic diversification.