Background

In 1990, as part of efforts in keeping with the country’s need to revitalise youth involvement in agriculture to enhance food security for the future, the National Youth in Agriculture (NYA) Committee was established. This Committee later merged with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s, (RADA) School Agricultural Programme in 1998, and was given the mandate to make plans and implement various activities for youth involvement in agriculture.

The thrust of the programme is to encourage the involvement of youth in the study and practice of agriculture and to help them see it as a viable career choice. Effective May 1, 2008, the Jamaica 4-H Clubs began spearheading this programme through the provision of training and opportunities for scholarships. The Mission of the Programme is:

“To promote and develop excellence in Agriculture among youth and to create an awareness of the need to improve Agricultural activities, in order to ensure food security and economic stability of the country.”

National Youth in Agriculture Committee

The committee is led by the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, and comprises of representatives from various agencies and institutions involved in agriculture.

Youth in Agriculture Scholarships

Partial scholarships are available to youth who are studying or involved in agriculture who have applied and have been accepted to agricultural institutions, namely:

Ø  College of Agriculture, Science & Education, (CASE)

Ø  Ebony Park HEART Academy

Ø  Northern Caribbean University

Ø  Knox Community College

Applicants are encouraged to contact 4-H Clubs offices islandwide to check on the availability of these scholarships.