Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society and Republic Bank Partner to Launch Youth in Agriculture Farm School

The Sandy Point Agricultural Society Ltd., in collaboration with Republic Bank (EC) Limited (RBEC), has launched the Youth in Agriculture Farm School, a pioneering initiative designed to empower young people in St. Kitts and Nevis through agricultural education and training. This program aims to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to contribute to the nation’s food security and economic sustainability. The official launch ceremony, held at the Liberation Farm in Sandy Point, marked the beginning of a comprehensive program that will engage students in all aspects of agricultural practice, from land preparation to agro-processing.

The partnership between the Sandy Point Agricultural Society and RBEC has been instrumental in realizing the Farm School’s vision. RBEC’s support, facilitated through their Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) Programme, has provided the necessary resources to structure and expand the initiative. Lionel Stevens, President of the Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society, expressed his appreciation for RBEC’s commitment to the project, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in accelerating the program’s growth and reach. The Farm School represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Youth in Agriculture Farm School offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide practical, hands-on experience in various agricultural disciplines. The program will cover a wide range of topics, including land preparation, seed sowing, transplanting, plant care, harvesting techniques, post-harvest handling, and agro-processing. This holistic approach will equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful agropreneurs, contributing to the local economy and reducing reliance on imported food products. The program’s structure emphasizes practical application and skill development, ensuring participants gain valuable experience in real-world agricultural settings.

Eighty students have been selected for the initial cohort of the program, focusing on cultivating crops such as watermelon, cabbage, sweet pepper, cucumber, cauliflower, and broccoli. This selection of crops reflects the local market demand and provides students with exposure to diverse cultivation techniques. Importantly, the program incorporates a sustainable financial model, with proceeds from the sale of harvested crops being reinvested to fund future cohorts. This self-sustaining approach ensures the program’s long-term viability and impact, fostering a cycle of empowerment and agricultural development within the community.

Food security is a paramount concern in St. Kitts and Nevis, with a significant portion of the nation’s food supply relying on imports. The Youth in Agriculture Farm School directly addresses this challenge by empowering local communities to produce more food domestically. Pamela Herbert-Daniel, Country Manager for Republic Bank St. Kitts and Nevis, highlighted the program’s crucial role in strengthening the nation’s food security and reducing dependence on expensive imports. By investing in agricultural education and training, RBEC contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of the local food system.

The collaborative nature of the Youth in Agriculture Farm School has been further strengthened by contributions from various stakeholders. Epic Agri Fusion has provided technical expertise, while TDC Home and Building Depot has supported with infrastructure and resource needs. The Department of Agriculture offered further support, contributing valuable knowledge to the program’s development. This partnership between the private sector, government agencies, and community organizations demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment. The program’s success underscores the power of collaboration and the collective effort to address important societal challenges. The RBEC’s PMAD program serves as a catalyst for positive change, demonstrating the impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives in fostering community development and empowerment.