Current Agenda- 08/09/2021 - 11/09/2021

 Tasks to complete for Chapter 1

• Introduction- Background, motivation, rationale
• Problem Statement
• Aims and objectives
• Project Scope

To do so, I need to do thorough research on agro processing, organic farming, vegan living, sustainable practises, rural development, value addition. 

The following is a drafted version of the background introduction

The future is green! The agricultural sector is currently experiencing a boom in organic farming and products as a result of the ever changing relationship between man and their environment. Organic foods have sparked a new perspective of the masses as they now gravitate towards healthier, green options linked to more sustainable means of production. In addition to the health benefits, organic farming has been proved to preserve the soil and water quality of the farm land. This leads to the trending topic of choosing a vegan lifestyle. A vegan lifestyle prevents a tremendous amount of animal slaughter and suffering. It offers a potent way to shrink our environmental footprint, especially in regard to climate change.  While no diet can guarantee a long and healthy life, becoming vegan may improve your odds.

Agro-Processing can be defined as a collection of methods used, to improve the quality of a commodity. This promotes food and nutrition security. It may include chemical, microbial and physical methods that can be applied to Agro-Processing.

Currently, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has jeopardized the livelihood of many farmers. However, the intent of this research project seeks to remedy this. Agro processing can assist farmers, especially rural farmers facing the unforgiving circumstances of the global pandemic. Through manufacturing the raw material, being their crops, the profit margin increases since value is added to the end products. As a result, farmers can now make a substantial living. Not only the citizens but the country can benefit from this endeavour as supporting local establishments boosts the country’s economy. Agro-processing is a probable solution to the long-term decline of the agricultural sector in Trinidad and Tobago. Such an issue causes the country to spend gradually scarce foreign exchange on the importation of food. Furthermore, agro processing along with organic farming can possibly attract the attention of local, regional or foreign shareholders to invest into the country. All of which increases the GDP and income entering the country.

Continuing is a drafted version of the Motivation for the project. 

Phenomenon such as global warming and climate change have shocked persons globally. In an attempt to combat these arising crisis, people are more conscious of their food choices, specifically where their food is coming from and the integrity of the source. However, manufacturers repeatedly manipulate the truth when advertising. This lack of transparency makes the public suspicious of organic foods. The principle of this project is not only to bring awareness to organic foods but to fill the apparent gap missing on our grocery shelves. Organic, especially gluten free options, should be made more readily accessible to the general population. Often times, these alternatives are sanctioned mainly to speciality or gourmet food stores. An example of this is Peppercorn, a family run gourmet shop providing exclusively vegan and specialty products for health conscious civilians.  This stigma must be eliminated to facilitate inclusivity. In so being, these foods should be made available to the average person at local supermarkets for a low cost.

Whilst on the topic of healthy lifestyles, Trinidad and Tobago is sadly fostering poor eating habits resulting in an upcoming obesity crisis. The products manufactured on the farm can shed light to heathier food options and further highlight the concept of vegan lifestyles. Turning over a new leaf to vegan habits not only improves your wellbeing but positively impacts the environment.

Now, looking in a context of low productivity, extreme rural poverty, climatic change, price rises of basic grains and application of erroneous policies. The basis of this project, that is creating a fully functional farm and factory,  provides technological options to promote productivity of corn producers in the framework of sustainable rural development. Through this project, rural farmers can now truly reap the rewards of their labour by implementing value adding farming alongside agro-processing.

From this, I am working towards formulating the perfect problem statement to encompass all these aspects.