Forty-five young people have begun six-week placements across 23 host organisations through the Zero Hunger Trust Fund’s Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) 2026, gaining hands-on exposure to agriculture, environmental stewardship, agri-business, research and the wider food system. The latest cohort was officially launched on July 10, 2026, with placements beginning on July 13.
The 2026 cohort reflects ZHTF’s continued commitment to building a new generation of Vincentian food systems leaders by connecting youth ambition with practical experience, mentorship and exposure to the many career pathways available in agriculture and sustainable development. YASIP 2026 is designed to support participants’ holistic development by strengthening professionalism, leadership, mindset, technical skills, work readiness and discipline. Through their placements, interns will also gain a deeper understanding of agriculture and the wider food system.
Delivering remarks at the launch, Director/CEO of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund Safiya Horne-Bique described the start of the internship as an “important moment in ZHTF’s operations.”
“We are once again investing in young people as central actors in the future of food security, agriculture and sustainable development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. YASIP is not only about work experience; it is about helping young people see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers and leaders in a sector that is vital to our national resilience.”
Horne-Bique explained that YASIP was created to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical exposure, particularly as more young people show interest in agricultural science, food systems, environmental conservation and the wider industry. She noted that this exposure is essential to helping young Vincentians understand how their talents can contribute to national food security and sustainable livelihoods.
“They will gain exposure to crop production, livestock, horticulture, agro-processing, agri-business, agriculture research, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and related fields.”
During her remarks, she encouraged the interns to take full advantage of the experience and consider how the knowledge and skills gained could support their future career paths. “This opportunity is yours, but it comes with responsibility. Use it to understand the sector, discover your strengths and see how you can contribute. St. Vincent and the Grenadines needs young people who are willing to think differently about agriculture, embrace innovation and help shape the future of food.”
This year’s programme includes a strengthened orientation process covering programme expectations, workplace conduct, occupational health and safety, reporting requirements, professional communication and the roles of interns, host partners and programme administrators. The session, facilitated by ZHTF for interns and host partners, followed the official launch.
Several new components have also been introduced to strengthen YASIP’s reach and impact. These include:
- A greater emphasis on sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship through ZHTF’s partnership with the SVG Conservation Fund
- The “Ten for Ten” internship spotlight, which will identify ten outstanding interns at the end of their placements and strengthen programme visibility by highlighting youth voices
- A three-day study tour across the Leeward, Windward and Central regions that will give participants an opportunity to visit several host partners and gain exposure beyond their individual placements
- The reintroduction of the National Youth Food Systems Forum, which aims to support young people in food systems beyond YASIP through long-term mentorship, networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, Dr. Donna Joyette-Bascombe, said the programme supports several important national priorities.
“YASIP is not an isolated youth programme. It is a practical expression of where this country has already said it wants to go. It represents an investment in the future of agriculture, food security, youth employment and sustainable development in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while supporting Government’s broader mandate to strengthen national food and nutrition security, expand opportunities for young people, support sustainable livelihoods and build a more resilient economy.”
Dr. Joyette-Bascombe noted that ZHTF has operated under the remit of the Ministry since 2021 and continues to receive the Ministry’s full support. “Food security is not only an agricultural issue; it is a sustainable development issue. It is linked to livelihoods, climate resilience, community development, youth opportunity, environmental stewardship, local enterprise, national identity and the visitor experience we offer as a country. Through YASIP, those connections are clear: agriculture supports local food production, tourism, farm-to-table experiences, local cuisine, agro-processing, food festivals, community tourism and the promotion of Vincentian culture.”
She also highlighted YASIP’s role in helping young people recognise the range of opportunities available throughout the sector.
“For many young people, agriculture is still too often seen only as traditional farm work, rather than as a modern sector with opportunities in technology, business, research, environmental management, agro-processing, marketing and entrepreneurship. YASIP helps to change that perception.”
Dr. Joyette-Bascombe congratulated ZHTF, the interns and the host partners on their involvement in the programme. “May this programme inspire practical learning, purposeful service and renewed confidence in the future of agriculture and food systems in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
YASIP 2026 is being delivered in collaboration with the SVG Conservation Fund, which is serving as a major programme partner for the third consecutive year. Its Director, Kendrick Chambers, encouraged interns to participate fully and think creatively about the careers they can pursue in agriculture, conservation and the wider food systems industry.
“You can use new technology in the farming industry to develop new techniques,” he explained. “You are the future of this industry!”
Chambers expressed hope that the experience would positively influence participants and encourage a more open mindset towards agriculture and food systems in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
ZHTF says the 2026 programme will continue to position youth not only as beneficiaries of opportunity, but as active contributors to a stronger, more resilient and more innovative food system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Host organisations will provide interns with supervised, hands-on learning environments that expose them to real workplace practices, technical skills and enterprise models across the national food system.
YASIP 2026 host partners include: Wind Blow Inc., Bu-te-ful Plants, Dane Jack Farms, Lampkin’s Natural Farm, Nature Care SVG, Rodney and Sons Butchering Ltd, Argyle Market Garden, Agriculture Integrated Solutions & Services, Eco Home Gardens Inc., Westfield Farms, Superior Farms, Garden Care Plus, Farmers Support Company, Caribbean Agri Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Rainforest, Valley Farms, Island Fresh Veggies, Hand2Earth, St. Vincent Cocoa Company, Boldwavze Farms, Taiwan Technical Mission, the Orange Hill Agri Biotechnology Centre and one additional host partner.
