More than 40 Agricultural Science teachers gathered on September 2 for the Ministry of Education’s annual Agricultural Educators’ Seminar and Workshop.

Hosted by Agricultural Science Education Officer Nicolette Francis at the Department of Environment Conference Room, the workshop brought together educators from early childhood, primary and secondary schools.

Held under the theme “Growing Greatness,” the session focused on preparing teachers for the 2026–2027 academic year while promoting the department’s core values of being passionate, committed and responsible.

Teachers participated in several interactive exercises, including food-system transformation activities that explored how crops such as cassava, banana, coconut and soursop could be converted into a range of value-added products.

Participants also discussed challenges affecting Agricultural Science education, including limited resources, insufficient land and labour, lack of support, praedial larceny and negative attitudes towards the agricultural sector.

Dr Andrew Hunte of The University of the West Indies delivered a presentation on the use of artificial intelligence in education. He encouraged teachers to use programmes such as ChatGPT to enhance classroom activities, projects and error analysis.

Hunte also urged educators to pursue higher education and professional certification and announced that Agricultural Science studies could soon become available at The UWI Five Islands Campus.

Several teachers were recognised for their dedication and outstanding service, including Andrea Edwards-Browne and Keyon Samuel, who previously taught at Pares Secondary School and All Saints Secondary School, respectively, and are now working with ABCAS at the Agricultural Science School.

Representatives from the Department of Environment also provided information on an Adaptation Fund water and irrigation project. They said a survey is being conducted to determine which irrigation systems would be most suitable for improving access to water.

Francis concluded the workshop by encouraging teachers to continue sharing their concerns and support needs, while reminding them of the Ministry of Education’s expectations for the new school year.