From the 10th  – 16th July, 2016 the 52nd Congress of the Caribbean Food Crop Society (CFCS) was held in the beautiful francophone island of Guadeloupe, with its expansive theme, "Engineering ecological modernization of agriculture and exploring the potential of tropical biological resources for innovation, while moving toward bio-economic development of the Caribbean region".

The objective of this Congress was to share regional and international experiences and develop a collective strategy for the modernisation of agriculture and food sectors in the Caribbean region.  A balance of scientific and technical farmer’s forums and policy initiatives sessions were held. The Food Science and Technology (FS&T) Unit of The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) presented three (3) oral research papers to French, Dutch, Spanish and English audience entitled:

1. Accelerating the fermentation of green papaya and its leaves through manipulation of microbial culture and temperature – Adam Quintal.
2. Student evaluations as a measurement tool for teaching effectiveness and student satisfaction within the Food Science and Technology Unit at The University of Trinidad and Tobago – Maria Chan.
3. Improving student enrollment numbers in the Food Science and Technology Unit of The University of Trinidad and Tobago – Urshelle De Castro.

The attendees of this annual meeting consisted of students, faculty from various universities such as France, Canada and the Caribbean, field specialists, community members, farmers and international organisations such as French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAs), Caribbean Agricultural Extension Provider Network (CAEPNet) and Caribbean Council for Higher Education in Agriculture (CACHE).

Attendance to this conference was important to promote UTT, being a relatively young university and to showcase its applicable programmes, conduct networking sessions, disseminate research findings and improve skills and knowledge in the field of Food Security.

BSc. Food Science and Technology Student, Mr. Adam Quintal presenting his research on Papaya 

Attendees of the Conference view research poster presentations done by various universities.

Staff of the FS&T Unit view research exhibits at the symposium 

Ms. Urshelle De Castro, Programme Officer of the FS&T Unit presents her research paper on student enrolment

Chair of the CFCS Board of Directors, Dr. Wilfredo Colón (right) of the Ana G. Méndez University, Puerto Rico with staff and students of the FS&T Unit, UTT

(From left: Dr. Rohanie Maharaj, Associate Professor and Programme Leader, FS&T, Ms. Urshelle De Castro, Programme Officer, Mr. Adam Quintal, Ms. Maria Chan and Dr. Wilfredo Colón, Chair.)