WUSC Caribbean

We will be there!

SAC is thrilled to join the Caribbean Week of Agriculture October 7-11 in the beautiful St. Vincent & the Grenadines sharing experiences and lessons learned through the voices of producers and market actors who are collaborating in an inclusive market system approach to maximize the creation of a climate-resilient agriculture sector in Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Suriname.



Subscribe to our SAC Connections newsletter to learn more (link in bio)

Recently, we partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy to handover vital equipment to operators of the Morne Prosper Women In Action Agro Processing Facility! 

The supplies, which include agro-processing equipment, shade netting, and climate-smart pest management tools such as yellow sticky tape, blue sticky tape and pheromone lures will empower women and youth farmers of the Morne Prosper Women In Action (MPWIA) Farmers Group by helping them boost their productivity and protect their crops sustainably.

This support will help regulate temperature, reduce pests, and create resilience against the elements for high-value crops like celery, thyme, chives, and parsley!  As part of an innovative herbs and spices pilot, the group has tested different shade netting to maximize yields, while the new agro-processing equipment will open doors to new markets with their delicious green seasoning sauce and other value-added products.The agro processing equipment will also allow the women and youth farmers to diversify their income by providing access to other niche markets. The support will also help PPQ facilitate scale up implementation of climate-smart agriculture practices to improve the herbs and spices market system. 

Special thanks to the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit. and leading input providers such as Agri Sales & Services who were also present.
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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

(EN) (FR)

Elevating Agribusiness: A Huge Success! 🌟  

We’re thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Elevating Agribusiness: Cultivating Success Through Value Addition Techniques event! 🎉 This interactive session empowered women and youth agripreneurs in the vegetable, ginger, and turmeric market systems, with a focus on enhancing branding skills and using key marketing tools to boost their businesses. 💼🌱

Participants learned practical strategies to drive value addition and improve market success in the northern and central agricultural regions. Thanks to all the experts and entrepreneurs who made this event impactful and memorable!

We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of these dynamic agripreneurs! 🚀🌿



Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn and grow in the agribusiness space! 🌱

Suriname

We are committed to partnerships that facilitate the empowerment of our farmers. Here's to a collaborative approach to creating a sustainable agriculture sector!

Jamaica

Building farmer capacity one workshop at a time...together!

It was exactly one week ago today that Baruch was in Westmoreland for a Goat Management workshop in partnership with and .

We covered everything from nutrition and breeding to healthcare. Thank you to all who attended!

Towards Progress and Beyond!

Check out our latest newsletter publication "SAC Connections" where we explore how market actors are beginning to accept the potentially significant role of women and youth in agricultural markets leading to their more equitable inclusion.

As our farmers continue to navigate the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, we continue to build their resilience. The recent passage of Hurricane Beryl was instrumental in helping to reinforce best practices for protecting one’s investment.

We encourage farmers to safeguard Greenhouses by removing plastic and mesh before a storm. This will reduce damage caused to infrastructure and secure its ability to be utilized in the future. These wooden greenhouses used for growing sweet yams stood up to the force of the category 4 storm winds and rains, while metal greenhouses sustained major damage due to their mesh and plastic being left in place.

We will continue to support our island’s food producers, facilitating the right technical expertise and guidance to enhance their ability to thrive.

Recently we conducted a training on the use of Soil Nutrients for Climate-Smart Agriculture at the Dominica Botanical Gardens in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy (MAFBAGE) and the Dominica State College.

This session brought together extension officers of the MAFBAGE and representatives of the Salisbury Women Farmers Group, Morne Prosper Women In Action and the Central Universal Farmers Group with an aim to enhance participants' skills in utilizing soil testing kits effectively, focusing on critical measurements such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Temperature, and Humidity.

The training also highlighted the advantages of re-agentless soil testing equipment, demonstrating its practicality and efficiency, especially for women and youth farmers, as well as input providers.
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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

High Commission of Canada in Barbados and the OECS (EN) Haut-commissariat du Canada à la Barbade et l’OECO (FR)
APSOL Garden Centre

The Black Bay Farmers' and Consumers Cooperative has received a boost with the provision of a pioneering tool library and essential low-cost, environmentally friendly agricultural inputs, to enhance its practices and productivity.

The resources, valued at approximately EC$60,000 include a small tractor, pole cutter, chainsaw, mist blower, sticky tape and pheromone lures.

This tool library will provide access to tools at an affordable price to the cooperative’s members and other farmers from neighbouring communities. Working together to help farmers to enhance their practices and productivity.


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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Seizing opportunities and navigating challenges!

The conclusion of our recent "Access to Finance and Market readiness" session aimed at empowering women and youth producers, along with other market actors, to identify challenges, mitigate barriers, and maximize opportunities for local and regional trade within the roots and tubers, vegetables, herbs and spices, and small ruminants market systems is beginning to bear fruit.

Since the session, there has been increased interest in financing from local microfinance institutions such as the National Development Foundation of Dominica, and there has been progress in meeting market standards, particularly in packaging and quality control. 

Additionally, a few producers have begun discussions with the Dominica Export-Import Agency (DEXIA), which could lead to new market opportunities.

While we are still in the early stages we are optimistic about continued improvements for the future.

Major thanks to the National Development Foundation of Dominica ( NDFD), Dominica Export-Import Agency (DEXIA), Fine Foods Inc,  Dominica Bureau of Standards (DBOS), Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), and Aid Bank for capitalizing on the moment to connect with our farmers.

Optimizing Market Potential in our tubers!

The results of the recent Ginger and Turmeric Chemical Profiles provides an in-depth analysis of the chemical profiles of the 9 tested samples - showing the rich potential of Dominica's ginger and turmeric industry.

Identifying two main chemicals in the tubers - gingerol in the ginger and curcumin in the turmeric, we are now confident that the tubers in Dominica are valuable for both food and health products, showing good potential for various uses in the market system.

Gingerol gives ginger its flavor and has health benefits, like reducing inflammation and pain. Curcumin is found in turmeric and is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

With the knowledge gained, stakeholders are better positioned to strengthen this market system through improved marketability of the crops including understanding the myriad of possibilities related to value addition.

Here’s to tapping into the limitless potential that exists!
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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

High Commission of Canada in Barbados and the OECS (EN) Haut-commissariat du Canada à la Barbade et l’OECO (FR)

In the fields with our new Head of Cooperation from GAC, Mr. Shehryar Sarwar along with SAC
Deputy Project Director, Munish Persaud, and Project Team Lead, Karyll Aitchenson to see first hand what is being experienced by our farmers from the Mile Gully Extension Area who are taking part in the Improved Hot Pepper Production Teck Pack Initiative.

The Improved Production of Hot Pepper Pilot, done in partnership with the Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica (CCJ), saw farmers taking turns sharing what they've learned, how they've been empowered as producers and asserting their personal intention to continue and scale up production.

And for their commitment to the Farmer Field School programme, we were proud to share certificates of participation. Major thanks to the Extension support from CCJ and RADA that provided invaluable support to the programme- ensuring an Integrated Market System approach was implemented.

Also on hand were Wesley Miller-Extension Officer RADA Manchester, Dyane Parker- Technical Expert, Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica Donald Robinson - Field Facilitator WUSC, and Nelsa English-Johnson- Country Coordinator WUSC.


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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Dominica

A thought provoking and successful OECS Youth in Agriculture Symposium. Check out these highlights.

"Between the Government and youth, we need to have something in place that the youth can go to, get their voices heard and then they can go to the Ministries and the Ministries go to the regional organisations. So we have the full chain where we have everyone involved... We have to start with something that is functioning and something that is consistent so that we can continue to meet the challenges as they change so that we can always be on the same level as the challenges as they change and sometimes have some foresight too, moving forward. " - O'Brien Blanford President National Association for Youth in Agriculture, Dominica

OECS Youth in Agriculture Symposium Highlight ABOUT THE OECSThe Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international organisation dedicated to economic harmonisation and integration, prote...

Meet Latoya Smith, a proud female farmer who produces yam, dasheen, cocoa and banana from the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica. Through her attendance at various consultations, trainings and capacity building sessions facilitated through the SAC Project, Latoya has been transformed into a budding business woman, with the right technical team by her side.

“I was invited by my Extension Officer, Mr. Seanmark Campbell in October 2023 to attend a WUSC Roots and Tubers Consultation. As a result of that consultation, I met with other farmers who have inspired me but also helped to guide me on this farming journey.

Initially I was a backyard garden farmer - crops and broiler chicken to be exact. Having been to these consultation and trainings my eyes have been opened to how to farm the right way, the right method, and how to network which will result in farming being very profitable and enjoyable.

I have met with Mr. Christopher Stewart, RADA National Domestic Food Crop Coordinator, who introduced me to the Cassava and Cocoa programme. At that time I did not have the land space but as a result of learning the art of networking at these consultations- I liaised with another farmer- Mr. Raymond Thomas - who is also from Westmoreland and also attended these consultations. We partnered together and sought land for lease. I have now planted 5 acres of cassava and 2 acres of cocoa.

I have another 13 acres of land which I have leased to plant another 5 acres of cassava and papaya as well. I am well on my way because of these meetings where my eyes were opened. I have forged relationships with companies like Fersan, Agro Chemicals, H & L. Networking has helped to propel me into the right path which I need to take as a female farmer.”
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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Bringing stakeholders to the table to make a tangible difference.

SAC has been collaborating with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry to undertake a countrywide capacity-building sessions to support the development of a sustainable agricultural sector in Guyana.

Together with the help of the National Agriculture Research Extension Institute, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, the Guyana Food Safety Authority, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, and the Small Business Bureau, we are connecting farmers to the right technical expertise to resolve the challenges farmers face.

Our latest multi stakeholder conference provided a platform for female farmers in Regions 2,3, and 10. Next steps - supporting the solutions towards adequate storage, post harvest loss, training, improving market linkages, competition, and providing educational resources.

It was an exciting day at the Morne Prosper Women In Action's Agro Processing Facility! WUSC Caribbean just wrapped up a dynamic training session on utilizing pheromone lures and sticky tapes for sustainable pest management in herb and spice production. Farmers from various groups, including the Morne Prosper Women In Action, Salisbury Women Farmers Group, Grand Fond Organic Women Farmers Group, and Dynamic Women in Farming, joined us to learn about eco-friendly techniques to combat common pests like whiteflies, diamondback moths, aphids, and spider mites. Focus crops were chives, seasoning peppers, celery, and parsley, and the insights gained today are sure to enhance the producer’s sustainable farming practices.

This could have not been possible without the support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy Extension team and the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit. We do hope to continue to collaborate and innovate for a climate-smart agricultural sector.
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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

High Commission of Canada in Barbados and the OECS (EN) (FR)

Guyana

The visually impaired can be food producers!

That is why SAC is honoured to facilitate a partnership between the Ministry of Education’s Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired, GreenAgro Services, and NAREI to help members of the differently abled community with their shade house planting and production. Through the provision of essential materials and resources, and support through the entire crop cycle, together we are enabling a community to cultivate lettuce for their growth and independence.

The innovative shade house planting techniques have resulted in the harvesting of vibrant, crisp, and high quality lettuce just 4 weeks after planting!

Now, two restaurants - impressed with the quality of the produce - have begun purchasing the produce. Indeed, a remarkable journey of growth and empowerment.

There is power in connecting our island’s farmers to the technical expertise and resources they need to thrive. We’re proud to help members of our blind and visually impaired community produce fresh, locally grown lettuce that are making their way to the plates of families across the local community.

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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

We are so honoured to be part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States’ Youth In Agriculture Symposium which wrapped today in Dominica exploring the theme, 'Growing the Future and Harvesting Dreams'.

Speaking on the topic of how we can foster a culture/environment of innovation and collaboration among young people and agencies, our very own Climate Smart Agriculture Officer, Shania Scotland was a panelist, sharing our vision with the delegation.

“Young people are creative and have a lot of ideas. Agencies must be open to assisting [them] to the next level. Through collaboration, [they] can receive encouragement, mentorship, training, financial support and other inputs/incentives that will improve the sustainability of their farming operations.

Young people are seeing the value of working together. By working together with agencies, both stakeholders can pool resources, share ideas, knowledge, lessons learnt. The possibilities are endless when young people are allowed to reach their highest potential and execute their true vision.”



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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Super happy to partner with Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board to facilitate and build the capacity of farmers in this evolving market.

Request for Proposals!

Inviting eligible consultants and consulting agencies to submit proposals for consideration to provide the following services to the ENGAGE Youth Project:

1. Life Skills and Empowerment Training
2. Mapping Support Services and Referral Pathways
3. Gender Equality Training
4. Communications
5. Event Planning and Management

To review detailed Terms of Reference and submit proposals be sure to visit WUSC Website at:
https://wusc.ca/careers/

Shade netting mitigates the effects of excessive sunlight and heat on crop health. This is especially crucial in regions prone to harsh weather conditions, where maintaining crop quality can be a challenge.

Recently, we collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy to facilitate a training session with the Morne Prosper Women in Action and Salisbury Women Farmers Group to build their knowledge on the use of shade net for resilient herbs & spices production. Farmers were introduced to various types of shade netting, different shade percentages and gained practical tips on installation and maintenance.

By empowering participants on how they can boost the resilience of their corps, they will be better able to enhance crop protection and improve yields in the face of changing climate conditions.

There is a resilient spirit among our farmers that is truly inspiring!

Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, we visited farms in St. Elizabeth, St. Mary and Portland. The storm caused significant damage to crops and infrastructure, particularly affecting farmers and their livelihoods. Many trees and crops suffered wind damage, which pose a considerable threat to harvests. However, despite the challenges, our team has observed a remarkable recovery effort amongst our food producers. While some have been affected more than others, most have expressed gratitude and are determined to bounce back.

Through the implementation of various climate smart agriculture techniques, including drainage and other proactive recovery measures, several farmers have already begun to take steps to improve production in their fields. This proactive approach has been crucial in mitigating further losses and ensuring a steady path to recovery.

The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is committed to supporting Caribbean farmers in Saint Lucia and Jamaica affected by Hurricane Beryl.

Through collaborating with our partners and teams on the ground, we will mobilize efforts to support recovery to our food producers so they can grow ..
The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

So how does composting enhance soil fertility, promote sustainability?

These and other key benefits were explored at a recent specialized training held with the Salisbury Women Farmers Group, Grand Fond Organic Women Farmers Group, and Morne Jaune Dynamic Women in Farming Group.

By equipping participants with a comprehensive understanding of the composting process, tapping into the scientific principles behind composting, and facilitating hands-on demonstrations on preparing compost using the Rotary Drum Composter, the session was an eye opener.

Farmers also gained practical knowledge on how to optimize composting techniques, manage organic waste effectively, and utilize compost as a nutrient-rich soil amendment to enhance soil health, increase crop productivity, and foster greater resilience in the face of environmental challenge, market fluctuations and disruptions to supply chains of synthetic fertilizer.

Special thanks to PISLM, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy for collaborating with us to make this possible.



The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

High Commission of Canada in Barbados and the OECS Haut-commissariat du Canada à la Barbade et l’OECO APSOL Garden Centre

The Agri Expo held recently was a remarkable event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development in collaboration with the Taiwanese Technical Mission through the Seven Crops Project. The expo saw the attendance of a diverse group of individuals, including government officials, industry experts, and the general public, all converging to explore and celebrate advancements in agriculture.

The expo showcased an impressive array of products, ranging from fresh produce and organic goods to innovative farming technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. Among the exhibitors, WUSC played a significant role by distributing informative brochures that highlighted the use of pheromone lures and yellow sticky tape traps, effective tools for pest management in agriculture.

We were delighted to share the innovations with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Honourable Alfred Prospere, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Peter Chen and Perishables Manager at Massy Stores SLU Ltd., Mr. Dunstan Demille. Their presence underscored the importance of the technologies on display and the commitment to fostering agricultural development in St. Lucia.

Here’s to fostering continued knowledge exchange and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for the future.


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The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) with funding support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).