Mr. Victor Wade/Extension Officer for the Northwest Agricultural District, and Michael Joseph, a young farmer and drone operator represented, Antigua and Barbuda, at the first ever Youth in Agriculture Symposium, held in Dominica, from August 6th -10th, 2024.
This next generation of agricultural leaders grasped the chance to connect with their counterparts, and these are connections that potentially will benefit the country and region in the future.
This event come about as a result of discussions held during the 7th OECS Council for Ministers of Agriculture.
Agriculture in the region used to be a very productive sector, but younger generations are generally not inclined to carry on their ancestors’ agricultural methods or ambitions. The symposium highlighted the need for a focused strategy to get young people interested in the sector but in a more sustainable manner and for the ultimate goal “Food Security”.
Mr. Wade commented that, “It was a good experience, a collection of OECS countries and the main focus was to give voice to youth in the agriculture sector, engaging us in policy and decision-making, and allowing us the opportunity to share our views and concerns on issues that farmers are facing.”
The attendees participated in panel discussions, engaging with specialists in the regional agricultural space, and who were impressed by expressions of these promising emergent farmers.
In addition to the plenary, there were seminars and mentoring sessions informing them of new developments in the agricultural sector, as well as exposure to innovations in farming research and technology.
