It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to the launch and onboarding ceremony of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund Agricultural Science Internship Programme co-funded by the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund. Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey for our young interns, who will play a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

The importance of sustainable agricultural practices has never been more apparent than in the wake of the recent hurricane Beryl that devastated the Southern Grenadines, our agricultural sector and caused extensive damage to our infrastructure and housing. This natural disaster has underscored the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions to ensure food security and resilience against future environmental challenges caused by the vagaries of climate change.

As we rebuild and recover, we are reminded of the critical role that agriculture plays in our lives and our economies. It is not just about growing food; it is about nurturing communities, sustaining livelihoods, and preserving our environment for future generations.

Our Youth in Agricultural Science Internship Programme is designed to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders with the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to drive sustainable practices in agriculture. Through this programme, our interns will engage in hands-on learning experiences and innovative work, on the job training, that promote sustainable farming techniques, practises and strategies.

In 2023, the Fund successfully piloted the programme with five ZHTF assisted schools. In an effort to expand its reach and impact we received funding from the SVG Conservation Fund, and I expressed the Fund’s gratitude for this support as it allowed us to expand the programme to all secondary schools offering Agricultural Science in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We received nominations from 15 secondary schools, Form 5 students who sat the Agriculture Science at CSEC, are from vulnerable or marginalized communities and who have academic merit in Agriculture Science and 27 students are confirmed to participate. Among these students are the students who received the ZHTF Most Outstanding Agri-Sci awarded at their respective graduation. The students, over the next six weeks would be assigned to various farmers, agribusinesses and institutions, to gain practical experience and expose them to opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in the industry.

We are investing in our youth because we believe in their potential to be catalysts for change. They are the ones who will carry forward the lessons learned from the past and develop new strategies to tackle the challenges of the future. By equipping them with the right tools and knowledge, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and food-secure future. The ZHTF SVG believes that if youths from vulnerable communities such as these are provided with the requisite opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, there would be more youth participation and contribution to the agriculture industry, promoting innovation and sustainability in the industry.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our twelve partners, and mentors who have made this programme possible. Your support and collaboration are invaluable, and together, we are making a significant impact on the lives of these young individuals and the communities they will serve. It is our hope that this programme assists you in your re-building while allowing the students to gain valuable experiences.

To our interns, I say this: Embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. The journey ahead may be challenging, but it will also be incredibly rewarding. You are the future of agriculture, and your work will make a difference in the world. Remember that sustainability is not just a goal; it is a way of life that ensures that everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food.

As we launch this programme, we commit the ZHTF to building a future where zero hunger is not just a goal but a reality. Together, we can overcome the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. Together, we can create a world where everyone has enough to eat and where our agricultural practices are in harmony with nature and their opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, particularly among our most vulnerable.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter.