Youth In Agriculture

This landmark event follows key decisions made at the 7th OECS Council of Ministers: Agriculture in May 2024 as member states continue to execute the Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Strategy.The OECS Youth in Agriculture (YIA) Symposium aims to connect the next generation of agricultural leaders in the region through discussions on innovation, tools, opportunities and the conditions necessary to shape the future of agriculture. The FAST Strategy prioritises reengaging youth in the agricultural sector and the OECS Council of Ministers: Agriculture mandated the development of a youth in agriculture programme. The OECS YIA Symposium is the first component of that programme and has 6 objectives:

Promote the agriculture sector for youth involvement.

Encourage and support youth participation in all stages of the agriculture value chain.

Raise the profile of youth already in agriculture to inspire others.

Build the capacity of youth in critical areas limiting their participation in the sector.

Allow youth the opportunity to shape how they participate in decision-making.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day One - Session 1, Welcome and Scene setter

This session will

- Promote the sector with inspirational and motivational speakers from within the sector including a young farmer
- An opportunity for youth to showcase products to each other and public
- Advocate for youth involvement in the sector through a high-level panel
- Provide the opportunity for youth to highlight their challenges and to explore avenues for their increased involvement in decision-making

9:00 AM

Welcome and Scene Setter

Mode of Delivery

Hybrid

Chairperson

Ms. Careen Prevost

Cabinet Secretary, Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

Day 2 Schedules

This session will

- Promote the sector with inspirational and motivational speakers from within the sector including a young farmer
- Mentorship on agribusiness to provide participants with advice and insights on innovative strategies for starting and operating agribusinesses
- Site visits for an immersive experience within the sector and an appreciation of the business opportunities and possibilities

9:00 AM

Focused Panel 1: Value chain and market opportunities in the OECS region that lend themselves to youth participation/leadership

Mode of Delivery

In-person

Hon. Lakeyia Joseph

Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy

Ms. Alexia Christmas

Input Supplier, Input Supplier

Ms. Alexia Christmas

Production (Livestock)

Ms. Lana Athanaze

Young agro-processor, ECLAT

Mr. Dunstan Demille

Perishables Manager, Massy Stores

Mr. Sam Raphael

Hotel Operator, Jungle Bay Dominica

10:30 AM

Breakout session (Mentorship Sessions on agribusiness)

Mode of Delivery

In-person

10:30 AM

Starting an agri-business

Mr. Michael D. William

Managing Director, Navigant Consulting Services

10:30 AM

Market Access and Development

Mr. Cleave St. Jean

Market Development Specialist, DEXIA

10:30 AM

Standards and certification

Mr. Heinrich Anselm

Technical Officer for Quality, Dominica Bureau of Standards

10:30 AM

Financing Agri-business

Mrs. Bertilia Bethel James

Marketing and Communications Officer (Ag.), Agricultural Industrial Development Bank of Dominica

10:30 AM

Insights from successful agri-businesses

Ms. Danielle Perryman

Past President Dominica Watersports and CEO/Manager, Dive Dominica

Ms. Terri Henry Lovelle

CEO, Bee Natural; President, Dominica Health & Wellness Association; Vice President, Dominica Herbal Business Association

Ms. Jodie Dublin-Danglebell

CEO/Founder, Jaydees Naturals; PRO, Dominica Health and Wellness Association; President, Dominica Herbal Business Association

1:30 - 2:30pm

Lunch

2:45pm

Site Visits: Stories from the Field Farm Visit

Day 3 Schedules

This session will

- A focused panel on innovation in the agricultural sector as well as an exhibition on technologies in the sector to highlight to youth how innovation and technology can be applied to the sector to boost productivity and returns
- Youth propositions discussions with high-level representatives from the OECS Commission and partner agencies