The Agribusiness Pitch Competition, held at the School of Sustainable Agriculture and Culinary Arts in Dennery, brought together some of the most promising young talents in the island’s growing agriculture and agribusiness landscape. The event challenged students to merge innovation with real-world business strategies, showcasing products, market concepts, and value-added ideas that mirror the evolving needs of Saint Lucia’s food systems.
Principal of the TVET Institute, Claudia Bissette, underscored the competition’s role in preparing students for the realities of entrepreneurship and modern agriculture. She noted that the initiative bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.
“This activity is more than just a presentation; it is an authentic learning experience,” Bissette said. “It challenges our students to conceptualize, design, and pitch viable agriculture-based business ideas. They are developing entrepreneurial confidence, critical-thinking skills, communication abilities, and a deeper understanding of the farm-to-table value chain. Most importantly, they’re discovering the real business potential within agriculture.”
Chief Agri-Enterprise Development Officer (Ag.) Marnus Cherry emphasized the Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing commitment to youth-driven innovation. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s role in supporting young agripreneurs through training, market access, and technical guidance, elements he described as crucial for strengthening the island’s agribusiness ecosystem.
“The Ministry plays an important supportive role, providing training opportunities for students both now and after they graduate,” Cherry explained. “We also help establish markets for local products. Innovation is one of the most effective ways to spark youth interest in agribusiness, and technical guidance remains essential throughout that process.”
The competition concluded with exceptional presentations from three standout students, with Kerdella Edward capturing first place, Sannicka Joseph securing second, and Ryan St. Catherine placing third, each demonstrating the creativity, skill, and entrepreneurial potential driving the future of Saint Lucia’s agribusiness sector.
Each student showcased an agribusiness concept that demonstrated creativity, market viability, and potential for real-world implementation, highlighting the growing opportunities for young people in agriculture, agro-processing, and value-added production.
The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed its dedication to initiatives that support youth engagement and entrepreneurship, stressing that developing the next generation of agribusiness leaders is essential for safeguarding national food security and driving economic resilience.
As Saint Lucia continues to push for a modernized agricultural sector, the TVET Institute’s Agribusiness Pitch Competition stands as another strong example of how education, innovation, and youth empowerment can work together to transform the island’s food systems and economic future.