The Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY) held its first ever Agri-Fest on Sunday at the PDO Building, bringing together primary school students to compete in an agro-business competition that challenged them to develop and present agricultural products to a panel of judges.

TN Kirnon Primary placed second (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

The Antigua and Barbuda Seventh-day Adventist Primary School took the top prize, with its grade three students presenting “Ah We Chips,” a kale chip made entirely from ingredients grown in their school garden.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

The students described the product name as a reflection of ownership from ground to processing.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

TN Kirnon Primary School placed second, with students presenting a herbal tea products under the brand TN Kirnon ParaHerb Naturals, focusing on medicinal tea, caramel tea, herbal lines and insect repellent while Green Bay Primary School earned third place for its passion fruit jam, suitable for pancakes, yoghurt, and tropical drinks.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

Students received medals, certificates, a cash prize from the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural equipment from the Central Marketing Corporation, and headphones.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

Other participating schools included the SR Olivia David Primary School who presented a raspberry product line under the brand Garden Glory.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

The line included raspberry pepper sauce, raspberry jam, raspberry gummies, raspberry carrot juice, raspberry beet juice, and pure raspberry juice.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

The team sourced their raspberries locally and said their school council supported the research behind the product range.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

St Peters Primary School presented Island Sprite, a natural dry seasoning containing no chemicals, MSG, or preservatives, made from sea salt, seasoned pepper, bell pepper, rosemary and thyme through a dehydration process.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

Addressing attendees at the close of the event, the judges noted the quality of what was produced by the students and encouraged them to continue their interest in agriculture and using natural products grown in their school gardens in entrepreneurship.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

Meanwhile, the AgriFest saw other business owners from across the island showcase their products and agricultural goods to the public.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

Seedlings were also handed out to members of the public during the event.