Youth Farm Overview
Empowering Youth in Agriculture Since 2012
The Youth Farm Summer Programme is an eight-week intensive training plan in crop, aquaculture and livestock farming with a focus on the production of diversified vegetables and meat for local markets. The programme is collaboratively offered by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation and the Barbados TVET Council. The Youth Farm emphasizes the development of farm management and business management skills.
Youth Farm Objectives
The Youth Farm initiative was developed because not many of our young Barbadian students of agriculture are pursuing this field as a career when they leave secondary school. In 2018 IICA introduced fresh water fish farming into the training initiative to build capacity in the fisheries sector.
Objectives
1. To motivate and retain students who selected agriculture for their secondary and post-secondary certification
2. To build capacity in agriculture among the youth by teaching them how to use low cost agro-technologies to produce food and earn an income on leaving school
By the end of the Youth Farm training the candidates should have gained confidence and the knowledge necessary for starting or working on a farm or other projects in the field of agriculture.
The idea is to make young people understand that agriculture is not just another subject…..it is a money-making business and viable career option. Food is ALWAYS in demand.
Youth Farm Units
The Youth Farm training programme consists of three units or elements:
1) Seven (7) weeks of in-class instruction and fieldwork on crop production, aquaponics or livestock production
2) A day release scheme for two days a week commencing from week 3
3) One week of professional development training.
Workshops led by industry experts will be used to help students to explore agricultural subjects. The workshop series will include topics such as crop planning, greenhouse propagation, organic farming methods, post-harvest management, agribusiness planning, record keeping, and integrated pest management. For livestock rearing and aquaculture electives, the focus will be on nutrition, daily care and observation. Our candidates will also gain personal and professional development through hands-on training and interaction with local and international agencies involved in the agriculture sector..
CVQ Crop Production Level I
The Caribbean Vocational Qualification in Crop Production training focuses on commercial cash crop production using organic methods and with protected agriculture systems.
CVQ Aquaculture Grow Out Operations Level I
The Caribbean Vocational Qualification training in Aquaculture Grow Out Operations is designed for candidates who are interested or already involved in land-based commercial fisheries.
NVQ Livestock Rearing Level I
The National Vocational Qualification in Livestock Rearing will provide skills for working in poultry, pig, sheep and dairy cattle production. This training and certification is suited to candidates who already own livestock.