Cayman agricultural interests and government are pushing the idea of “growing what we eat and eat what we grow” during these economic times.
Nineteen farmers and garden enthusiasts received certificates and awards at the Market at the Grounds at Lower Valley recently after completing a course on a variety of agriculture topics such as plant propagation, vegetable production, hydroponics, pests and disease control.
The eight weeks workshop organised by the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society, the Department of Agriculture and the University College of the Cayman Islands was taught by Joseph Jackman and Department of Agriculture experts.
At the ceremony, Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connlly said she dreamed for the day to come when agriculture became so integrated into the curriculum it was just like English or maths; Where every student has the opportunity to learn about agriculture, especially in these economic times making it a pleasure to supplement the meals on our tables with fresh homegrown produce from the garden.
Ms O’Connor-Connolly was also happy to see the diversity within the recipients receiving awards; moving away from the traditional thought of just having men as farmers.
She encouraged residents to help themselves by growing more produce, “It is the Caymanian way to reap things from the garden,” she said.
“Technology has changed and agriculture should be no different if we were going to make significant strides into agriculture,” she said.
University College Cayman Islands President Roy Bodden, also a farmer, reiterated the institution’s commitment toward taking the programme to the next level, “where participants completing the workshop series in addition to completing some academic courses will be eligible for the award of a UCCI Certificate in Practical Agriculture and afterwards apply for entry into an appropriate associate degree programme.”
The Cayman Islands Agricultural Strategic Planning Committee is pleased to see the beginning of this next important chapter in the development of Agriculture in the Cayman Islands and hopes the introduction of these courses and other courses in the near future will raise the bar for agriculture and food production in the Cayman Islands.
Participants receiving certificates were: Errol Watler, Deana Lookloy, William Adam, Rodney Welcome, Charles McLaughlin, Chuck Thompson, Maria Pou, Denham Clarke, Jennison Nunez, Jennifer Smith, Gilbert McLean, Arnold Berry, Stanley Hill, Marilyn Nasirun, Bernard Powell. Angela Douglas, Orville Daniels, Lincoln Beckett and Winston Anderson.
Recipients, Marilyn Nasirun and Charles Raybourne McLaughlin received special awards in plant propagation and grafting, which were presented by workshop instructor Joseph Blackman.
Agriculture Society President Errol Watler and Brian Crichlow, assistant director of the Agriculture Department, reminded the public to look at agriculture as a business and farmers as entrepreneurs.
They also said educational opportunities such as this are being offered to ensure the application of the best practices that will result into the best products.
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