CCRAF’s “On the Road” Tour Concludes with Hands-On Learning and Community Celebration

The Antigua leg of the CCRAF on the Road 10th anniversary tour concluded with a day of practical learning and community engagement, bringing together students from Cedar Grove Primary, the Victory Centre and St. Anthony’s Secondary School. The final session took place at Royal Gardens, where participants explored hydroponic farming and technology-driven agricultural tools.

At Shaade Hydroponics, students observed seedling production and learned how hydroponic systems support sustainable small-scale farming. A drone demonstration led by agricultural specialist Dr. Cheney St. Martin added an element of excitement, highlighting the growing role of technology in modern farming.

The CCRAF team later visited the School of Agriculture in Glanvilles to tour the campus, meet with school leadership and discuss future development plans.

The day ended with a visit to veteran agriculturist and cultural figure Novella “Grandma Ackee” Payne, who received an additional award and commemorative plaque in recognition of her decades of service and her contribution to preserving local agricultural traditions.

The final day reinforced the week’s themes of hands-on learning, community partnership and the importance of agricultural heritage. The tour closed with a sense of reflection and optimism, echoing the initiative’s goal of inspiring curiosity and strengthening connections within the sector.