UWI TechAGRI Expo 2018

"Trinidad and Tobago is not a food secure nation and we must all be concerned. "This was the sentiment expressed by Dr. Wayne Ganpat, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture of the University of the West Indies, and it was under this premise the faculty had hosted its second TechAGRI Expo from Thursday, March 22 to Sunday, March 25 2018, 9AM-8AM.The four-day expo was intended to explore the multitude of available technologies that can address the challenge of food security as well as entrepreneurship and commercialization. It had also focused on the many technologies available to ensure a greater level of food and nutrition security as a nation, present opportunities to increase crop and livestock production, as well as display the vast collection of products made by entrepreneurs making well-labelled, packaged value-added products. Some of the attractions at the expo had included, latest innovations by young agri-entrepreneurs, mini-workshops, a local food village, a mini zoo, a children’s park and guided tours. TechAGRI has showcased entrepreneurship in several areas, innovations in agriculture and highlighted many areas of research outputs just begging for commercialization.

Cafe Vega Booth

 We participated in the TechAGRI Expo 2018 primarily as a means to promote brand awareness and conduct sales of our coffee to the event's patrons. We showcased both of our Talparo and Rio Claro varieties in dark and medium roasts. Additionally we did a presentation on the "Future of Coffee in Trinidad and Tobago" which was well attended and had several follow-ups by people who were interested in either rehabilitation of abandoned coffee farms or in the establishment of new ones.
 

In total, about 450 attendees visited our booth over the four days. Sales were not as good as anticipated and may have been due to the duration of the expo (less days, perhaps no more than two, would have reduced costs of participation) and by challenges in providing adequate electricity in a timely manner. Generally, many people were still unaware that high quality locally grown and roasted coffee is available and were pleasantly surprised by the flavour and robustness. Many expressed a preference for buying locally produced items once it met their quality expectations. 

Prof. Copeland, Principal of the UWI St Augustine Campus getting an orientation on coffee roasting.
(Photo by Dr. Marlene Attzs)

Coffee is no longer considered a crop of importance by the Ministry of Agriculture, despite growing evidence of the increasing number of coffee shops around the country. For example, Rituals Coffee House has about 56 outlets throughout the country and Starbucks has opened its business in five locations in Trinidad over the past few years. There are also dozens of small coffee shops scattered throughout the country. There may even be more coffee shops than rum shops in central Trinidad! Perhaps it is time the Ministry of Agriculture re-examines its lack of attention to coffee.

Origin Trip to Costa Rica

The Specialty Coffee Association organized an “Origin Trip” to Costa Rica during 18-25th February 2018. Coffee producing farms and mills were visited in the following regions:

• ·       West Valley  - Volcán Azul Micromill and Hacienda La Luisa
• ·       Tarrazú Region - Los Grandes Micromil and Coopetarrazú, R. L.
• ·       Brunca Region - Pérez Zeledón Region and Coopeagri, R.L.
• ·       Orosí and Turrialba Regions - Hacienda Tobosi and Aquiares

Additionally, visits were made to ICAFE (Coffee Research Centre), Coricafe (perhaps the largest coffee exporter in Costa Rica) and two coffee shops in San José. Participants gained a first-hand view and understanding of how coffee is grown, harvested, processed, roasted, packaged, and exported. Participants were also invited to cup several varieties of coffee grown on many farms. Below are the collage of photos that summarise the key features of that Origin Trip.