The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), as part of our technical cooperation program with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries & Water Resources to enhance the competitiveness of the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep in Barbados, have engaged two of our strategic partners in a project.

With the support of the High Commission of Canada (Canada Fund For Local Initiatives), the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) and the Barbados Sheep and Goat Producers Association (BSGA), we are embarking on a project aimed at sensitizing, training and providing mentorship opportunities for youth interested in the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep industry (from husbandry to the supply of inputs to the creation of value added commodities such as hides, jewelry, and spa products).

Some of the main activities of the project include:

• A Barbados Blackbelly Sheep industry opportunity seminar targeting youth;
• A training and mentorship programme for youth;
• The development of a Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Industry Brand/Logo; and
• An exhibition of the vision for the Blackbelly Sheep industry and membership drive for the BSGA.

Young entrepreneurs will be sensitized to benefits of developing the value-added elements of the sub-sector. Specific operational and business models will be reviewed to introduce them to the processes required to achieve ‘farm to table’.  And ensure the viability of the Blackbelly Sheep Industry.   At the end of the projected period it is expected that young farmers/entrepreneurs will be better informed and prepared to invest in the industry as a profitable business.

As a part of the promotional drive of the project to sensitize and stimulate youth to the possibilities that exist in the Blackbelly Sheep, the project will be launched on 14 February 2013, at the Pelican Village Terrace, Harbour Road, Bridgetown from 10:00am until 12:00pm.

We expect a wide cross-section of stakeholders from the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep industry to be in attendance at the launch which will feature the unveiling of the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep industry logo and addresses by Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management as well as the Ministry of Industry, Small Business and Rural Development, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation.