Faculty of Food and Agriculture

World Soil Day 2025

Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA), The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

Date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025
Venue: University Field Station (UFS)
Hosted by: Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA), UWI St. Augustine

Background

World Soil Day 2025 highlights the vital importance of healthy soils in supporting agriculture, food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity. Healthy soils filter water, store carbon, cycle nutrients, and sustain ecosystems.

In Trinidad and Tobago, soil health faces growing threats from erosion, declining organic matter, poor land management, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Strengthening national awareness and technical capacity is essential to address these challenges.

The Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA) is hosting a one-day event to promote sustainable soil management, showcase local research, and engage stakeholders in advancing soil health.

Objectives

  • Raise awareness of sustainable soil management practices.

  • Highlight FFA’s soil science research, innovation, and outreach.

  • Strengthen collaboration with government partners, farmers, and development agencies.

  • Deliver hands-on learning experiences for participants.

Event Overview

World Soil Day 2025 will feature an engaging mix of expert presentations and practical field demonstrations.

The event begins with an opening ceremony, including a special recognition of
Dr. Gregory Gouveia for his significant contributions to soil science at The UWI and across the region.

What to Expect:

  • Technical session with expert presentations

  • Hands-on field demonstrations

  • Visit to the Black Soldier Fly Pilot Production Facility

  • Farmer feedback and interactive discussions

  • Closing reflections and remarks

Expected Outcomes

  • Greater understanding of sustainable soil and waste management among farmers and stakeholders

  • Stronger partnerships between FFA and national/regional institutions

  • Increased visibility of FFA’s soil science expertise

  • Enhanced farmer capacity through science-based, practical techniques