00:00Based in Canada, the CEO of FISOC Tobagonian, Kevin Mills, spoke to the collaboration with Farmers in Tobago,
00:08developing cassava-based products such as cassava feed, cassava sweetener and vinegar.
00:14These initiatives, he said, demonstrates circular biotechnology that is sustainable and community-driven.
00:22We decided to actually step forward, invest in the farmers.
00:26The farmers are the most important people right here.
00:30And we're doing, as FISOC, we're based in Canada, we're doing a transfer of technology right now.
00:35We started this project with, I think it's in 2020, when I came back to Tobago,
00:42and we formulated a feed ration made from coconut.
00:46We ran 20 heads. It went really well.
00:51Local agent Avion Hercules said the launch of this manufacturing plant, all products generated in Tobago,
00:58is the first step towards Tobago's manufacturing sector.
01:02And this is where FISOC comes in, working with small manufacturers like us and working with the farmers, right?
01:12That story is where agriculture, innovation and climate responsibility come together beautifully.
01:19The launch took place in Roxburgh, Tobago.
01:22Some farmers spoke to TV6 News about their partnership with FISOC and Miss Hercules in the supply of cassava products.
01:31Even Avion's 79-year-old father, Gustavus Hercules, is on board.
01:37So I just keep on planting, then she come here and say, well, daddy, I need some cassava.
01:41I say, well, you could get about 1,000 pounds.
01:44So I went back to that piece of land where you see I'm working out, and I start putting the
01:49work every night, every day.
01:51And, you know, watch them grow, watch everything, you know.
01:55It's gorgeous, I use my staff every day.
01:57And after, I get the produce come, and then Avion came up with this cassava, flower, and vinegar, and I
02:04was so intrigued.
02:05So I like 1,500 pounds, and after, I come and give her like 1,500 pounds again.
02:10So it's like 2,000 pounds I can serve as well.
02:13She already collected from me.
02:15The next milestone is establishing a biochar production facility in Tobago.
02:21This facility will process sargassum and organic carbon waste year-round, support agriculture resilience, and generate measurable climate benefits.
02:33Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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