CASE Being Positioned as Key Player to Advance Agricultural Research – Minister

The College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) is being positioned as a key player in Jamaica’s efforts to advance agricultural research, innovation and food security.

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, who toured the institution on September 23, said CASE’s work in research and development, particularly through its Tissue Culture Laboratory, is contributing to the preservation of agricultural resources while preparing students to navigate a rapidly changing sector.

“CASE is one of, if not the premier tertiary agricultural research institution in the Caribbean. I’m very pleased to see the level of work being done at CASE. Despite the many challenges – hurricanes, financial challenges, they have been doing some very good research work here,” the Minister said.

According to the Minister, CASE’s work aligns with the Government’s ‘House of Innovation’ initiative, through which research institutions, tertiary institutions and government and non-governmental entities collaborate by sharing experiences and equipment and undertaking research geared towards national and sustainable development.

The Tissue Culture Laboratory at the institution houses an extensive germplasm collection, featuring a range of economically important crops, including banana, plantain, coffee, pineapple and ginger.

The Minister said the collection is important to preserving Jamaica’s agricultural heritage while ensuring the availability of clean planting material.

“Having a germplasm collection here… speaks volume as to preservation and continuity. What CASE is doing here in the Tissue Culture Lab is to ensure that we provide clean planting material, while at the same time preserve our indigenous plants or plants that are near to extinction,” the Minister said.

The Minister also commended CASE’s lecturers and teachers, pointing to an increase in student enrolment as an indication of the quality of teaching being offered.

The integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into the learning experience was also highlighted as critical to preparing students for the future of agriculture.

“We see where they’re infusing technology and artificial intelligence in the whole learning experience. Agriculture now is not what it was some 50 years ago. Technology is at the centre of agriculture, and AI is now at the centre of technology,” the Minister said.

He further underscored the importance of making agriculture an attractive sector for Jamaicans, particularly young people, given its potential to generate employment while strengthening national food security.

President of CASE, Dr. Derrick Deslandes, as well as other senior members of staff, also participated in the extensive tour, which gave Minister Wheatley and members of his team a first-hand look at the laboratories, facilities and programmes at CASE.

The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting CASE, as the country pursues sustainable development and greater food security.

“We now have to invest in research and development, and CASE is at the centre of research and development as it relates to food security,” Dr. Wheatley said.