Students Explore 70+ Careers at Second Annual Agriculture Expo

Second Annual Agriculture Career Fair and Expo Empowers Youth by Shenequa Williams

The Second Annual Agriculture Career Fair and Expo officially commenced at 9:30 a.m. yesterday, February 26, 2026, at the Multipurpose Cultural Center. The event brought together students, educators, and agricultural professionals for a dynamic and interactive experience centered on the future of agriculture.

The ceremony was expertly moderated by Master of Ceremonies Emerald David. In attendance were Mr. Walter Christopher/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gregory Bailey/Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Nicolette Francis/Education Officer within the Ministry of Education and Miss Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/Expo Coordinator and Head of Communications

Students were challenged with a powerful question:
Can we survive without food?
The resounding answer — NO.

Presenters emphasized the importance of food security and encouraged students to reflect on where their food comes from and the role they will play in strengthening local production. Agriculture remains critical to national development, sustainability, and survival. Students were reminded that agriculture spans over more than 70 career opportunities. From agricultural engineering and economics to communications, fisheries, research, hydroponics, and innovative farming technologies, the sector continues to evolve.

Modern agriculture integrates science, technology, and entrepreneurship, offering diverse career pathways for the next generation.

The event welcomed students from:

Antigua Grammar School
All Saints Secondary School
Clare Hall Secondary School
Jennings Secondary School
Ottos Comprehensive School
Pares Secondary School
Sir Novelle Richards Academy
St. Mary’s Secondary School

Following the Opening Ceremony, students viewed an engaging video presentation highlighting agriculture and the wide range of careers within the sector. The excitement continued with an interactive activity designed to test students’ knowledge based on the presentations.

Activity Results:

1st Place: Skyler Joseph – Jennings Secondary School
2nd Place: Jullisa George – All Saints Secondary School
3rd Place: Abenaa Yearwood – Sir Novelle Richards Academy

The activity fostered friendly competition and reinforced key messages shared throughout the morning.

The Ministry of Agriculture extends sincere appreciation to all stakeholders (IICA, ABAFY, Mr. Euton Henry, Mr. Itajah Simmons, Antigua and Barbuda Network of Rural Women Producers, GARDC, Mrs. Miriam Samuel) who contributed to the success of this event.

Special thanks to:

The Agricultural Extension Division
The Crop Research Unit
The Blue Eonomy
The Veterinary and Livestock Division
The Communications Unit

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Mr. Brent Georges and the Agricultural Extension Division for their integral role in assisting with coordination and setup. Their dedication and hard work ensured the smooth and successful staging of the Expo.

As the second annual staging of the Agriculture Career Fair and Expo strengthens youth engagement in the agricultural sector, the Ministry looks forward to building on this momentum and expanding opportunities in the years to come.

Agriculture is not just our past, it is our present and our future. And that future belongs to our youth.

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