Dominican farmer Ephraim Elijah Roberts has been named the recipient of the OECS Young Farmer Award, recognising his commitment to modern, diversified agriculture and his efforts to inspire a new generation of young people to enter the sector.
Roberts accepted the award during the OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium in Grenada on Thursday, September 3.
The 29-year-old farmer from Castle Bruce has developed a diversified agricultural enterprise built around the principle that “diversification creates resilience.”
Roberts raises goats, sheep, cattle, ducks and guinea pigs, while cultivating root crops, fruit crops and fast-turnaround cash crops. He has also incorporated beekeeping into his enterprise, supporting pollination and crop productivity while producing honey as an additional high-value product.
His involvement in agriculture began at an early age and continued throughout his school years. He served as President of his primary school’s 4-H Club and was an active member of his community’s Scout Troop.
At secondary school, his passion and aptitude for agriculture earned him an award for outstanding achievement in Agricultural Science. He later pursued an Associate Degree in Agricultural Science and has remained actively involved in the sector as a member of the National Association of Youth in Agriculture (NAYA), which promotes greater youth participation and leadership in agriculture.
As an educator, Roberts is also working to change the way young people view agriculture. He introduces students to climate-smart and modern farming practices and encourages them to see agriculture as a viable, technology-driven, sustainable and profitable career option.
His vision is “to inspire more young people to choose agriculture, strengthen food security, create economic opportunities, and contribute to the sustainable development of communities and countries.”
The Government of Dominica congratulates Ephraim Elijah Roberts on this outstanding achievement and commends him for his dedication to agriculture, youth development and national food security.
