By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
In a momentous stride towards agricultural sustainability and community development, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) proudly announces the official licensure of its farm by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries of Trinidad & Tobago. This achievement not only signifies a significant milestone in USC’s rich history but also paves the way for enhanced contributions to regional food security and educational initiatives.
Established in 1927, USC’s farm has been an integral part of the institution’s heritage, serving as a hub for agricultural research, education, and community engagement. However, despite its longstanding presence, the farm faced challenges in obtaining official licensure due to historical intricacies surrounding land ownership. Nonetheless, through dedicated efforts and perseverance, USC has successfully navigated through these complexities, culminating in the recent issuance of the official license in October 2023.
The process of acquiring licensure involved meticulous adherence to statutory requirements, including legal documentation, affidavits, and detailed plans for cultivation and processing. With the farm now classified as a registered entity, USC gains access to a myriad of incentives and support from the Ministry of Agriculture, ranging from grants and loans to training programs and networking opportunities. This newfound recognition not only validates USC’s commitment to agricultural excellence but also reinforces its role as a key player in regional agricultural development.
Beyond the confines of the university campus, USC’s farm holds immense potential for collaboration and partnership with the local community and regional stakeholders. Initiatives such as hydroponics training and curriculum expansion signify USC’s dedication to extending its impact beyond academia, fostering a culture of hands-on learning and sustainable agricultural practices.
USC has already begun experiencing the benefits of its farm’s licensure, including reimbursements on equipment purchases. This financial support further bolsters USC’s efforts in promoting sustainability and innovation across campus. Looking ahead, USC envisions its farm as a beacon of food security and sustainability, serving as a model for locally sourced agricultural production. With grant applications underway and plans for the expansion of egg farming projects, USC is poised to play a pivotal role in reducing Trinidad’s dependency on imported food products, particularly in the East-West Corridor.
As USC embarks on its journey towards its centennial anniversary in 2027, the licensure of its farm symbolizes a new chapter in the university’s legacy of excellence and community service. USC invites individuals with expertise in agriculture and related fields to join hands in this transformative endeavor, fostering collaboration and innovation for a more resilient and prosperous future.
For those interested in contributing or partnering with USC’s farm, please contact Mrs. Sharon Ramkissoon-De Freitas, Director of Business Development, via email at ramkissoon-defreitas@usc.southcaribadventists.org or telephone at (868) 662-2241/2 ext. 1211. Together, let us cultivate a future of abundance and sustainability for generations to come.
