While discussing agriculture in the Caribbean, the important concept of 'microstate" must be
recognized. Simply put, the concept brings to focus problems and opportunities connected with
small size. An idea of the small nature of the economies in the English-speaking Caribbean can be
obtained from the fact that the total population of the 12 nation CARICOM is a little over 5
million. Only three members have populations exceeding the 250,000 mark: Guyana with over
800,000, Jamaica with 2 million and Trinidad and Tobago with a little over 1 million. Under the
microstate situation every function must be inter-dependent, and an integrated approach has to
be pursued to achieve results. This concept will help us to understand why farming system ap-
proach is the most appropriate for the small farms. When we discuss small farms we cannot think
only of introducing agricultural technology, but we should be concerned with the economic, social
and educational status of these farm families. We have to look at the total picture with respect to
the farm and farm family as a unit. Low incomes, teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, juvenile
delinquency, and disintegration of families into single-parent households are some real concerns
of the farm families and must be addressed as a part of the total package.
 This paper discusses, in a broader sense than the title may imply, innovative technologies for
enhancing food production. The question before us is how to define innovative technology. It can
be defined as the introduction of new or unique methods to bring about change. But, it can be
asked--Why do we need innovative technologies; and what is wrong with our traditional
technologies? The necessity for innovation is dictated by two facts:
 1. Our land and water resources are limited and under increasing competitive pressure from
 developers; and
 2. Food needs are increasing due to growth of resident and visitor populations.
Since we cannot enhance our natural resources we must enhance their productivity. Due to limited
land and water resources, competition and animosity has developed between agriculture and non-
agriculture industries in the Caribbean. What needs to be understood is that no single industry
can survive alone under microstate situations. Agriculture is needed to provide a stable economy
and employment for indigenous populations. Non-agricultural industries, especially tourism, are
needed to provide necessary capital for economic development and a ready market for agricultural
products.
 Before discussing specific technologies that are appropriate for the Caribbean, permit me to list
some of the food and agricultural issues that, in my opinion, are priorities in the Caribbean. These
are:
 1. Strengthening and diversification of agriculture;
 2. Market identification and development;
 3. Human resource development;
 4. Natural resources and forestry;
 5. Integrated rural development;
 6. Appropriate mechanization and irrigation technology;
 7. Pest and pesticide management; and
 8. Development and transfer of technology.
 The Caribbean area is very heterogeneous in nature. In addition to water that separates our
island nations, there are language differences, political differences and economic differences.
However, there are great similarities in agro-climatic factors, socio-cultural factors and ecological
factors.
 The College of the Virgin Islands, through its Experiment Station and Extension Service, has
worked on these priority issues that I have mentioned and has developed appropriate technologies
to improve small and commercial farming systems in the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean
islands. I would like to share with you some of our work that has bearing on these priority issues.
 Agriculture is no longer a simple enterprise involved in raising crops and animals. Modern
agriculture is an art, a business, a technology, and a way of life. Therefore, any strengthening and
diversification efforts should be in keeping with these factors. In 1972, we started with a series of
economic feasibility studies covering various agriculture enterprises. We selected certain enter-
prises which have stood the test of time and we initiated research and educational efforts to im-
prove those enterprises. For example, Senepol cattle were developed on St. Croix in 1917 by a
layman farmer. It was considered to be a good breed of cattle due to its docile nature, its resistance
to tropical pests and diseases and its excellent growth rate without any supplemental feeding.
However, due to the lack of characterization of the breed, it was sold for beef purposes for $200 to
$500 per head, depending on the age. Our programs have helped to organize the farmers into a
Senepol Association and have collected scientific data on the breed through performance and car-
cass evaluation. Within three years, St. Croix farmers exported their first shipment of Senepol cat-
tle at $2,000 to $5,000 per head. The innovation here was to develop the cattle as a breeding stock.
 Other factors adversely affecting the local livestock industry were the high cost of imported feed
and lack of roughage during dry months. We started developing new technologies to alleviate
these problems. Grain and forage sorghum cultivars were introduced and tested. Within the first
three years a cultivar was recommended that yielded four times more than the locally grown one.
Production studies showed that spring planting produced significantly higher yields than fall plan-
ting. Additionally, sudan grass was found to be quick in regrowth, high yielding and to have good


PROCEEDINGS of the CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS SOCIETY-VOL. XX