The BAFT programmes provide the opportunity not only to reduce the decline in agriculture, but to place Trinidad and Tobago as a major international producer of a number of agricultural products. The programme aspires to be:

• The National Learning Centre for cuttingedge technology in food and agriculture;
  
  
• The National Research Centre in food, agriculture, biotechnology and food safety; and
  
  
• The National Centre for technical support to agriculture practitioners and public and private organizations in food and agricultural policy, technology transfer, information dissemination, plant production and protection, animal production and protection and food and agricultural development.

Such programmes are expected to produce a new generation of food and agricultural entrepreneurs and biotechnologists who can undertake and sustain the development of the food and agricultural sectors leading to the goals of wealth creation, food security and food safety.
By highlighting R&D in biosciences, agriculture and food technologies integrated with technology acquisition/utilisation, operations, market value and commercialisation, graduates will be better positioned not only to be farmers, but to make evidence-based and informed judgments on implementing best practices and to developing appropriate proposals that will
enhance the sector over time. The Programmes are expected to impact Trinidad and Tobago by:

• Producing a new generation of food and agricultural technologists and providing momentum for the future food and agricultural sector;
  
  
• Retaining second-generation food and agricultural entrepreneurs and ensuring a continuation of human capacity and sustainability;
  
  
• Developing business incubators for selected rural populations to create new enterprises;
  
  
• Providing technical training to existing practitioners and improving effi ciency and competitiveness;
  
  
• Diversifying enterprise and reduction of risk;
  
  
• Expanding existing sectors and creation of jobs and wealth;
  
  Creating of new sectors with additional job and wealth creation; and
• Producing new leaders in food and agriculture who are ready to lead with action, technology and vision.