On Monday, the Ministry of Education, in partnership with Nutrien, awarded over $45,000 in prizes and trophies to thirteen winning Primary and Secondary schools.
An initiative of the Ministry of Education in partnership with Nutrien, the I EAT Agriculture Competition encouraged the growth of food crops and the promotion of entrepreneurship in agriculture.
The SC Tunapuna Hindu Primary School and the Preysal Secondary School were the winners in the Trinidad category, while Signal Hill Government Primary School and Roxborough Secondary School won the Tobago category.
According to Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, the leaders of today must teach the leaders of tomorrow the importance of agriculture.
“We have to show them the incredible link between agriculture and education and doing things using technology and science so that the agriculture of today and the future is not the agriculture of yesterday, and there is no better way to ensure that our children understand this than by involving them.”
According to Vice President and Managing Director of Nutrien Trinidad Limited, Edmond Thompson, it is programmes such as these that give students enriching opportunities to engage with food production in a hands-on manner.
“I am confident with the efforts of the contest participants and their dedication, we will significantly contribute to feeding the future.”
There were also special awards for categories such as the Best Kitchen Garden, Most Original and Innovative Product, and the Nutrien Perseverance Award, among others.