The Rural Transformation Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation hosted its 1st training for the 2026 National Home Gardening Competition at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown which was held on Thursday 14th May 2026.

The training, titled “Vegetable Production and Livestock Management”, saw the participation of approximately fifty (50) registered participants, who benefited from both theoretical and practical sessions focused on agricultural best practices.

In her welcoming remarks, Senior Technical Officer, Mrs. Currel Thompson-Fergus, expressed her satisfaction with the level of interest shown in home gardening and encouraged the participants to take advantage of the knowledge provided.

Mrs. Thompson-Fergus outlined the rules and expectations of the competition and highlighted the judging categories which include: Garden Management, Pest Control, Fertiliser and Pesticide Use (preference given to organic practices), Livestock Management, Crop Health, Weed Control, Sustainability, Mixed Cropping System, Composting, Garden Layout, Space Optimisation (Crop and Livestock), Technology Use and Innovation, Recordkeeping and Harvest Weight. She also indicated that training will be provided in these categories.

She further informed participants that technical support would be provided based on the agricultural region in which they are located, ensuring that all competitors receive guidance on managing their home gardens.

Mrs. Thompson-Fergus concluded by highlighting the benefits of home gardening in not only contributing to greater household food security and reducing our food import bill, but it also creates opportunities for income generation.

Catherine Bonadie-John

The facilitators and the topics covered:

Former Agricultural Assistant, Andrea Latchman - Introduction to Home Gardening and Sustainable Crop Management
Agricultural Assistant, Rodwell Charles - Land Preparation
Agricultural Extension Officer, Shafika Andrews - Recordkeeping
Senior Agricultural Extension Officer, Catherine Bonadie-John - Seedling Production and Care
Livestock Officer, Duane Pipe and Agricultural Assistant, Mervette Simmons - Livestock Management

Shafika Andrews

Rodwell Charles

Andrea Latchman

The National Home Gardening Competition is a key initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation aimed at encouraging households to grow their own food to bolster national food and nutrition security. The Competition is held annually and is spearheaded by the Rural Transformation Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture.

SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation