The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has launched a Cocoa and Coffee Steering Committee to guide development of the sectors.
The launch took place on April 21 at the Rio Claro Demonstration Station.
Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, said the committee will coordinate agencies, research bodies, financial institutions and industry stakeholders.
He said the move is intended to address gaps in coordination and support implementation of initiatives across the cocoa and coffee value chains.
Ratiram said the plan supports efforts to expand agriculture’s role in economic activity, rural activity and foreign exchange earnings.
He said focus areas include farm rehabilitation, agronomic practices, post-harvest systems, processing, market access, branding, certification and traceability.
The committee will also oversee a sector action plan with timelines, indicators and assigned responsibilities.
Nicholas Morris, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Mayaro, attended the launch.
Also present were Dr. Michelle Mellowes, Chief Technical Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan of the Cocoa Research Centre.
The Ministry said the initiative also targets export markets for cocoa and coffee.
It said Trinidad and Tobago’s position in the fine flavour cocoa category will support market access through partnerships and investment.
The Ministry said it will continue engagement with stakeholders on implementation.
