SUMMARY OF THE OCCUPATION

This skill area refers to the subset of manufacturing that processes raw materials and intermediate products derived from the agricultural sector.  The agro-processing industry therefore entails transforming products originating from agriculture, forestry as well as fisheries.  Broadly defined, the sector adds value to raw agricultural products and the value added can be broken down into three stages:

  • Primary value added stage – for example the packaging of raw fresh produce to be sold at supermarkets
  • Processing/extraction stage – for example the extraction and packaging of juices
  • Preparation of foods (minimal processing) – for example the making of jams and jellies

In Trinidad and Tobago, agro-processing as an occupational area is currently in its early stages of development.  This industry in Trinidad and Tobago is at the core of food based products.  The service based area facilitates the rapid commercial production and marketing of value added agri-products.  It specifically treats with the conversion of fresh produce into semi-processed raw materials which can be then sold to downstream buyers including food processors, restaurants and institutions such as the school Nutrition Company and hospitals.  This industry also offers contract food processing services to new and existing local small and micro entrepreneurship firms, which are unable to establish existing demand or with good market potential.

The agro-processing industry is important to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago not only through the addition to productive capacity; but it also provides jobs through continued growth and expansion.  In addition, the activities in this industry provide for:

–          reduced imports of semi-processed raw material and strengthens our food manufacturing sector

–          easier access to international markets and rapid growth of the agricultural and food sector

–          easier entry into the food processing sector by low resource small and medium size enterprises

In this case study we will be looking at the Cottage Agro-processor

OCCUPATION SUMMARY ENTRY LEVEL REQUIREMENTS SALARY RANGE
  Cottage Agroprocessor Sourcing and selection of materials at competitive prices, maintaining relationships with suppliers and purchasers as well as transporting raw materials from the supplier to the business place. Self Taught Or Skills training at CARIRI or YTEPP Limited 2,000 – 4,000

THE COTTAGE AGRO-PROCESSOR

The cottage agro-processor is responsible for:

–          Purchasing: sourcing and selection of materials at competitive prices, maintaining relationships with suppliers and purchasers as well as transporting raw materials from the supplier to the business place. This aspect of the job may be dependent upon demand and supply within the market and may be done on a weekly basis.

–          Production: this involves washing, sorting, preparing for processing, actual processing, packaging and storage of the product. This function is carried out on a daily basis

–          Quality assurance: this requires monitoring operations at all stages to ensure optimum quality, as well as quality control at the end of the processing cycle. This aspect of the job may vary and can be done either on a daily or weekly basis.

–          Marketing: the cottage agro-processor advertises and promotes his products, securing markets for the product as well as distributing for sales. This job takes place on a weekly basis.

The job of the cottage processor may vary and is dependent upon how they choose to run their business venture:

  • He/she      works for long hours in order to maximize output (this aspect of the work      environment may vary among cottage agro-processors according to whether or      not this is done solely or as a “side-line” entity).
  • This      is not an office type job, and may require them to from time to time be      exposed to machinery with moving parts and to work outdoors, under humid      conditions (this too is variable and would depend on the type of business enterprise      which the agro-processor is specializing in).
  • The      cottage agro-processor must wear protective clothing as well as ensure      that his equipment is safe.
  • This      job does not necessitate him being on call on a twenty-four hour a day      basis however, the job may become very hectic and at time fast paced.
  • He/she      may also come into contact with toxic as well as flammable substances such      as chemicals and fertilizers which are used to either preserve or assist      in the growth of raw materials.

For the most part the cottage agro-processor is self-trained and at times self-taught. This job dependent upon its requirements, can be learned and skills could be gathered through experience. However, if the agro-processor wishes to increase in knowledge and skill, he or she may obtain qualifications through the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), located at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine and YTEPP Limited.

At the moment the most lucrative opportunities in the agro-processing field can be found in cottage production. With ethnic niche markets for processed agricultural products, their lies potential in the field of agro-processing.  Agro processing operations require specialization, this allows for increased employment and increased economic returns for those seeking investment opportunities especially as micro-entrepreneurs in the sector.

For the sector development however, standards must be established to ensure that the persons involved in agro processing are well equipped to meet international standards for food safety.  This will entail ensuring:

–          The legislation and enforcement of food safety standards within the industry such as HACCP which has international recognition. This will require the training of quality control personnel who would ensure that all the necessary measures of the industry are met.

–          Demonstration of proper handling of raw materials

–          Training all persons involved in the preparation of food to wash their hands and cover their heads as precautionary safety measures necessary for the industry.

There remains an untapped potential for agro-processing industry to satisfy the demand for processed agricultural products.  However, there is a need for the development of different supporting functions for the industry.  This would involve large scale investments in the agro-processing field to fund the introduction of machinery to the processing operations.  Thus the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s thrust toward economic diversification can provide a tangible opportunity for growth in the agro processing industry.

PAY

The wage bracket for the agro-processor ranges between $2,000 to $4,000 per month.