August 12, 2026 — Tobago’s agricultural, fishing, and agro-processing sectors have received a major financial boost following the official rollout of the TobaGrow Loan facility by the Agricultural Development Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (ADB)
. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), the targeted loan portfolio is designed to lower financing barriers, encourage technological adoption, and help slash Trinidad and Tobago’s multi-billion-dollar food import bill. Addressing Capital Barriers in the Agri-Food Chain
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram emphasized that lack of accessible capital—not a lack of innovation or determination—has historically hindered local food producers:
- Direct Capital Access: The loan offers 100% financing up to TT$50,000 for first-time borrowers and up to TT$100,000 for existing ADB clients to purchase modern farming equipment, upgrade fishing vessels, or expand commercial production.
- Flexible Repayment & Moratoria: Recognizing the seasonal nature of agriculture and fishing cycles, the package includes flexible repayment schedules and moratorium periods on principal payments.
- Inter-Agency Alignment: THA Secretary of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development, Wane Clarke, welcomed the initiative, highlighting that sustainable funding is crucial to turning agricultural potential into tangible food security across the island.
The facility is open to all citizens and residents of Tobago aged 18 and older engaged in primary agricultural production, marine fisheries, agro-processing, or debt consolidation for existing agri-businesses.
Reporter Aaliyah Balgobin has the full story from the launch.
