Cipriani College Forms Partnership to Support T&T Farmer Groups
The Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies and the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture have formed a partnership to assist farmer groups and co-operatives in Trinidad and Tobago.
At Tuesday’s “Agricultural Co-operatives in a new Agri-Food System” event at the college’s auditorium, Dr. Andre Vincent Henry, Director of the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies, emphasised the crucial role of partnerships in advancing the agri-food sector.
« Strengthening the agri-food systems through co-operatives, small enterprises and innovation is therefore essential. It is also entirely consistent with the co-operative model which speaks to collective effort, shared benefit, and local control over resources and production. »
Dr. Henry noted that while the college is celebrating its 60th anniversary, it is not only reflecting on its history but also renewing its commitment to the future.
« That future must include stronger focus on economic resilience, community-based enterprise and sustainable livelihoods. It must include deeper engagement with sectors such as agriculture and the agri-food economy, and it must include partnerships that allow us to connect knowledge, policy and practice in ways that deliver real impact. »
Dr. Henry said the Caribbean region continues to face structural dependence on imported food, exposing it to external shocks and undermining its resilience.
He added that in this context, food sovereignty becomes a central development priority.
