Teaching has officially begun at the Hope Agricultural Training Institute (HATI), with expectations that the facility will be operational by September this year.

It is hoped that the facility will help to resurrect Barbados’ agricultural industry, providing students with the knowledge, experience and facilities they need to begin a successful career in the field.

Located in St. Lucy, the 45-acre, BDS $40 million campus was built with the assistance of the government of the People’s Republic of China and boasts classrooms, dormitories, greenhouses, animal pens, and a cafeteria which organizers hope will one day be stocked with the food produced on-site.

The first students arrived on busses provided by the school free of charge, excited for the first day of the Farming and Fishing Gateway Initiative- Aquaponics Course.

Speaking during the orientation ceremony Director of Training, Ministry of Technological and Vocational Training, Dr. Roderick Rudder described the day as monumental, encouraging students and staff to seize the opportunity.

“You are pioneers,” Dr. Rudder told participants. “This training gives Barbados an opportunity to rethink how we feed ourselves, improve our health, and build a more sustainable future.”

Interim manager, Dr. Patricia Saul described her hope for the training institution, fully equipped with the latest technology, crops and even beehives, noting that HATI was unlike any other agricultural school in the region.

“For the first time, students can learn both the theory and practical aspects of agriculture in one central location,” Sol explained. “We are modernizing agriculture through technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

Barbados Community College (BCC) student Amisha Husbands expressed her hope to be able to feed her family and one day, sell the produce she grows. She explained that Aquaponics had always been particularly interesting to her and was excited to learn more.

“With less land available in urban areas, aquaponics and vertical farming can help people grow food efficiently and feed their families.”

HATI is expected to support agricultural programmes connected to the Barbados Community College (BCC), the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute (SJPI), and the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB).