Programme Launched to Enhance Agriculture Sector
May 27, 2026
From left Principal Landis and Mr. Michael Callendar General Manager (interim) Fund Access sign MOU
A new partnership between The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Cave Hill Campus, and FundAccess could help reshape Barbados’ agricultural landscape, following the launch of the Agri-Grow Agricultural Enterprise Development Programme at the 3Ws Pavilion on May 27, 2026.
The initiative was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between FundAccess and The UWI Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI). It brings together academic expertise and enterprise support to strengthen the sector.
Speaking at the launch, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Cave Hill Campus, Professor Clive Landis, said the programme represents a decisive effort to ensure research delivers real, measurable benefits to the farming community.
He noted that Barbados has long faced a disconnect between agricultural research and the practical challenges experienced by farmers.
“Academic insights lose their value if they remain locked in reports,” he said, and explained that the programme is designed to “resolve that disconnect once and for all.”
Through CAGRI, participants will benefit from intensive training, workshops and hands-on technical support covering livestock management, crop production, environmental control, and key commercial practices such as inventory management, biosecurity and regulatory standards.
Director of CAGRI, Dr. Michele Singh, described the initiative as a “deliberate intervention” aimed at ensuring agricultural activities generate sustainable and predictable income. She explained that the programme also promotes long-term planning and is structured to build both technical and administrative capacity among producers, beginning with swine and broiler production before expanding into small ruminants and crop farming.
“We are focusing intensely on the critical operational details that determine whether a business thrives or fails,” Dr. Singh said.
The six-month programme begins on June 1, and targets entrepreneurs involved in livestock, crop production and agro-processing. It combines classroom learning with field-based training.
Acting Deputy General Manager of FundAccess, Sophia Forte noted the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable business development.
“Financing alone cannot create sustainable enterprises,” Forte said. “Access to capital must be accompanied by knowledge, innovation, technical expertise and strategic support. That is why partnerships matter.”
She added that the collaboration between FundAccess and CAGRI brings together complementary strengths. “CAGRI brings research, innovation, scientific knowledge and technical expertise, while FundAccess provides entrepreneurial development, business support and financing solutions, creating a strong foundation for business growth,” she said.
