Overview

A well-integrated, efficient and resilient agri-food system is critical to the food security of every country and region. Consumers and users are demanding an increasingly broader range of products (including product forms) and services to meet their changing taste preferences, need for convenience, health status etc.

The seat of value in the Agri – food system lies principally between primary production and the consumer, the space where most agribusinesses operate. But in our region, this ‘agri-business sector’ continues to be rudimentary and limits growth of the agricultural sector generally. Business skill development, including marketing, is necessary if both primary production and the agri-business sector is to grow to the benefit of our people.

An agribusiness programme which develops skills in technical agricultural as well as ferments a business approach to providing value in the agri-business sector can enhance capacity needed and provide access to the broad opportunities for employment and career development for a larger segment of those seeking training.

Objectives

This programme seeks to;

  • Orient students to a market approach to decision-making in business enterprises of an agricultural nature;
  • Develop relevant technical skills in agriculture as well as critical personal, business management and entrepreneurial skills relevant to operating in the agribusiness sector;
  • Provide students with relevant, real-world training in agri-business management.

Learning Outcomes

Students will;

  • Develop the ability to listen, and communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing within the workplace context.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scientific principles critical to the production and handling of decisions in the agri-product system.
  • Apply business management and marketing principles to agricultural business operations.
  • Apply sound resource allocation skills e.g., technical knowledge of input- output relationships in biological systems, and enterprise budgeting in making decisions that impact success and profitability.
  • Demonstrate an ability to work independently, as well as effectively with others in teams.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of safety related to handling equipment, food, pesticides and agricultural materials generally.
  • Analyze data and use it effectively in decision making.
  • Apply basic ICT skills to enhance personal effectiveness (reports, presentation, manipulation of records etc.).
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in agribusiness situations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical expectations of the agricultural and business sectors in both business and personal decision.
  • Apply knowledge of principles of sustainability.
  • The programme should contribute to self-employment of graduates.

Entry Requirements

  1. Five CSEC Grades I, II or III passes including English A and Mathematics).
  2. CSEC passes in the following subjects would be an asset:
    • Principles of Business or Accounts
    • Agricultural Science
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
  3. Mature student status – a person who has reached their 21st Birthday, with at least three years’ work experience in the Agricultural Sector will also be eligible for consideration. Interview Required.
  4. If applicant does not have passes in English A and Mathematics at CSEC (or equivalent) a prior learning assessment will be required.

Apply Now Admission Requirements

Programme Summary

  • This programme runs for two years and consists of four (4) semesters.
  • Each year consists of two (2) semesters.
  • There is a total of 71 Credits to be scored.
  • Critical Reading and Writing (GE) (4 Credits)
  • Algebra Essentials (GE) (3 Credits)
  • Modern Language (GE) (3 Credits)
  • Livestock Science (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Crop Science (PC) (3 Credits)
  • The Entrepreneurship Mindset / Fundamentals of Small Business Development (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Speech Self, and Society (GE) (3 Credits)
  • Computer Applications (GE) (3 Credits)
  • Agricultural Economics (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Husbandry Techniques (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Financial and Managerial Accounting (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Summer Practicum 1 (2 Credits)
  • Ethics and Professional Development (GE) (3 Credits)
  • A Survey of Saint Lucian History and Heritage (GE) (3 Credits)
  • Introduction to Food Processing (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Post-Harvest Technology (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Agricultural Marketing (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Elective (3 Credits)
  • Health and Wellness (GE) (3 Credits)
  • Agri-Tech (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Agribusiness Management (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Farm Machines and Structures (PC) (3 Credits)
  • Elective (3 Credits)

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