News Releases

UWI Takes Agri-services Directly to Farmers

For Release Upon Receipt - July 16, 2025

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. July 16, 2025 – The Department of Food Production, Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA), at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus strives to protect and enhance the nation’s food security by proactively delivering on-site services to farmers via the mobile Agro-Environmental Services (AES).

 On Thursday 26th June 2025, the FFA team mobilized its services to the Aranguez farming community. This outreach initiative provided critical diagnostic service support to local farmers within the Aranguez community.

 Established to meet the needs of farmers, agrochemical retailers, NGOs, extension services, and other stakeholders, the AES plays an essential role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through early detection and diagnosis of pest and disease issues, as well as assessments of soil health, the AES empowers farmers to adopt more targeted and eco-conscious approaches to crop management. These efforts were aimed at achieving healthier crops and improved yields through scientifically informed, environmentally friendly solutions. The services are also intended to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to improve the resilience and productivity of their farms.

 The FFA team emphasized that plant health remains fundamental to ensuring that food remains abundant, safe, and nutritious to meet both local and global standards. The AES also provided broader diagnostic and analytical support in areas such as animal feed analysis, water analysis and food safety testing, making it a comprehensive resource that strengthen the entire agrifood value chain.

 According to Professor Mark Wuddivira, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, “the AES initiative brings cutting-edge diagnostics, soil health assessments, and sustainable solutions directly to farmers to elevate national agri-food systems. Therefore, mobile AES is more than outreach; it is a commitment to ensure every farmer thrives, every production system flourishes, and every community benefits from innovation rooted in sustainability. Together, we are cultivating a future where food is abundant, safe, and driven by excellence."

 The Department of Food Production encouraged all Aranguez farmers to participate in this year’s mobile AES initiative. The team visited each farm individually to ensure equitable access to services and to foster meaningful engagement with the farming community.

 The FFA looks forward to expanding its mobile initiative to more farming communities across South Trinidad in 2026. This ongoing outreach underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and improving the well-being of farming communities.

 For more information about this initiative, please contact 662-2002 ext. 82090, via WhatsApp at 308-9010, or email STA-AES.DFP@sta.uwi.edu.

 

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 About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 

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