Agriculture interns take to the field for practical work experiences

Forty-five Vincentians will spend the next six weeks gaining practical experience in the agricultural sector under the Zero Hunger Trust Fund’s Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) which was launched on Friday, July 10, 2026 at the National Insurance Services (NIS) conference room.

The launch was held under the theme, “Empowering Young Minds, Transforming Food Systems,” and brought together interns, host partners, and representatives from the agricultural sector.

The annual internship programme is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience by exposing students to the realities of the agricultural and food systems sectors.

Over the next six weeks, the 45 interns will be placed with 23 host partners across the country, where they will receive hands-on training in a range of agricultural disciplines. Participants will gain exposure to crop production, livestock management, horticulture, agri-processing, agri-business and agricultural research while working alongside experienced farmers.

Speaking at the launch, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZNTF), Safiya Horne-Bique, said there is often a significant gap between the learning students receive in the classroom and the practical agricultural exposure needed for them to view agriculture not only as a subject of study but also as a career, a business opportunity, or a field of innovation. “YASIP helps us to close this gap by connecting students, young people, farmers, agribusinesses, public institutions, research bodies, community organizations and other host partners,” she explained.

Horne-Bique said it gives them the opportunity to learn by actually doing, asking questions, understanding the discipline of work, and experiencing many ways in which agriculture and food systems contribute to national life.

She noted that the programme is intended to help the interns build technical skills, work readiness, discipline, professional communication, and a deeper appreciation of agriculture and food systems.

“We want every intern to leave the experience better prepared for a future study, employment, enterprise or leadership in the sector,’’ said Horne-Bique. She also highlighted several new features that have been introduced for the 2026 internship programme.

“ First we are placing stronger emphasis on sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.”

Another new component of this year’s programme is the introduction of the Trust Fund’s “Ten for Ten” Youth in Agriculture Internship Spotlight Campaign, which forms part of activities commemorating the 10th anniversary of ZNTF. Horne-Bique said visibility and youth voices will be strengthened as well through this campaign. The campaign is expected to recognise interns who demonstrate commitment, perseverance and leadership throughout the internship while showcasing positive examples of youth involvement in agriculture. “As part of our 10th anniversary this campaign will identify and profile 10 students of outstanding endurance as emerging agriculture champions.” Participants will also benefit from a structured educational tour, another new feature of this year’s programme.

“There will be an introduction of a structured three-day study tour across the Windward, Leeward and Central regions,” Horne-Bique stated.

The study tour is expected to expose participants to the diversity of agricultural activities taking place across St Vincent and the Grenadines while allowing them to observe different farming practices, production methods, and agribusiness operations throughout the country. “This study tour will give interns an opportunity to visit selected hosts, farmers and agribusinesses”, she noted.

Horne-Bique expressed appreciation to the farmers, agribusinesses, institutions and other host partners who have agreed to mentor the interns over the next six weeks, encouraging them to provide clear guidance, safe working conditions and meaningful opportunities for participants to learn through practical experience. The director also thanked parents and teachers for supporting the students and encouraging them to participate in the programme. Horne-Bique reminded the interns that the opportunity comes with responsibilities and encouraged them to remain committed throughout the six-week placement.

“This opportunity is yours but it comes with responsibility. Take notes, listen to your mentors, complete your reports, represent yourselves, your families, your schools, and the Zero Hunger Trust Fund well.”