CCRAF on the Road – Day Four: Farmers’ Training Workshop Delivers High-Impact Learning at Point Wharf by Brent Simon
Day Four of the CCRAF on the Road and MSB Project brought together farmers, agri-professionals, and technical officers for a focused, no-nonsense Farmers’ Training Workshop at the Fisheries Conference Room, Point Wharf.
The day ran from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., delivering a series of tightly structured technical sessions aimed at strengthening field knowledge, improving production systems, and advancing climate-responsive agriculture.
The session was chaired by Ms. Marcelle Freeland, Liaison Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, who also delivered the welcome and introductions. She set the tone early: this wasn’t going to be a sit-down-and-nod workshop — it was a skills-building day.
Mrs. Nekelia Gregoire-Carai, Technical Specialist in Water & Soil Management and CCRAF Coordinator with IICA, opened with an outline of the CCRAF initiative, its 10th anniversary, and why taking these activities “on the road” is essential. She emphasized the importance of scaling climate-responsive practices across all islands — not just talking about resilience, but operationalizing it.
Mr. Bradbury Browne, Irrigation Specialist, delivered a practical breakdown of irrigation management, highlighting the realities of water scarcity, system efficiency, and how poor irrigation design quietly destroys yields. His session was direct, practical, and well-received.
Next, Mrs. Sherrie-Ann Brazier of SHAADE Hydroponics guided participants through the essentials of hydroponic production systems. She explained nutrient delivery, root-zone management, and the common mistakes new growers repeatedly make — a grounded, farmer-to-farmer style presentation.
Mrs. Kishna Primus-Ormond, Senior Plant Protection Officer, followed with a sharply delivered session on pest and disease management. She highlighted emerging threats, correct identification practices, and the dangerous shortcuts some growers take that end up costing them more. It was practical, blunt, and exactly what the audience needed.
After a brief lunch — a chance to refuel and regroup — participants were treated to a powerful afternoon session with Dr. Chaney St. Martin, International Specialist in Water and Soil Management, IICA.
Dr. Chaney stole the show.
Soil Nutrition: A Masterclass, Not a Lecture
His session on soil nutrition wasn’t a lecture — it was a full-on, deeply engaging masterclass. He broke down soil function, nutrient cycles, crop needs, and the silent killers of soil health in a way that kept every participant fully engaged.
• His explanations were clear but never oversimplified.
• He used examples farmers actually recognized.
• His delivery — that warm, unhurried, uniquely captivating tone — kept the room glued from start to finish.
The discussion quickly became robust.
Hands shot up.
Questions came rapid-fire.
Nobody was shy.
And Dr. Chaney took every question seriously, responding with a blend of science, field wisdom, and calm confidence.
You could feel the room learning — not just listening.
The day closed with a short wrap-up, followed by a group photo capturing the energy of a workshop that delivered real value rather than simply ticking a box.