The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States announced its Youth in Agriculture Symposium is underway in Dominica.
The three-day event, which kicked off on Wednesday, aims to connect the next generation of agricultural leaders in the region through discussion on innovation, tools, opportunities, and the conditions necessary to shape the future of agriculture, according an OECS statement.
The OECS agricultural sector has faced significant challenges over the last few decades, due to environmental degradation, changes in productivity, and vulnerability to climate events and natural hazards, contributing to a significant decline. These challenges also act as a deterrence to younger generations from continuing farming practices in their families, resulting in an aging farming population, the statement said.
“With the onset of many health, climatic, political, and food crises, the future of agriculture depends on the creativity and enthusiasm of young minds and hands.” OECS Director General Didacus Jules said of the significance of the YIA Symposium. “This symposium is our way of supporting and nurturing that potential bringing together a diverse group of young people who are passionate about agriculture. We hope that this event will be a catalyst to provide them with invaluable resources and connections to help them succeed in transforming our future in the OECS.”
The symposium started Wednesday with OECS Youth in Agriculture taking part in a trade fair at Windsor Sports Stadium Forecourt that featured leading companies and startups in agriculture industry regionwide.
Event participants will have the opportunity to hear from industry pioneers, successful young farmers, and agricultural experts who will share their insights on the latest trends and innovations in the sector.
According to the statement, there will also be interactive workshops and mentorship sessions covering a range of topics, including agribusiness development, research, innovation and technology, and youth in decision-making and governance in agriculture.
Participants will connect with like-minded peers, mentors, and potential opportunity holders in the agricultural sector.
The government of Dominica, through its Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy is hosting the OECS YIA Symposium, providing a unique experience for participants as the famed “nature island” of the region. Other partnering agencies include the European Union through the Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonization and Technology (RIGHT) program, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management of Dominica, and the World University Service of Canada, according to the statement.
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Publish date : 2024-08-08 13:00:00
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