Government of the
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Agriculture
I. VAT Exemption on the importation and acquisition of equipment for the Commercial Fishing Sector
A person importing/acquiring any fishing boat, marine engine, fishing net, line or other capital equipment solely for the purposes of carrying on the business of commercial fishing may apply to the Minister to whom responsibility for marine exploitation is assigned for the VAT exemption.
Governing Legislation: Section 45 (1) of VAT Act Chapter 75:06
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Corner Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road and Soogrim
Street, Chaguanas
Tel: 220-6253
Web: www.agriculture.gov.tt
II. Vat Exemption on New and Used Selected Vehicles
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Light Goods vehicle under 2950 MGW (Light goods vehicles refers to panel vans and pickups for agricultural purposes); and
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Trucks (2950 -5000 kg MGW)
Registered farmers can access VAT exemptions up to TT$5,000.00 (Green card holders and buff colour card holders as recognised occupiers by Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries State Lands).
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Corner Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road and Soogrim
Street, Chaguanas
Tel: 220-6253
Web: www.agriculture.gov.tt
III. Duty Free Concessions on Agricultural Equipment and Machinery
Duty free concessions may be accessed by members of the public engaging in legitimate agricultural activities or providing support to same, once certain requirements are met. Once approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, eligible persons/entities will receive exemptions on import/customs duties for imported machinery and equipment to be used in their agricultural operations.
For more details, including the application process, visit: E-Import Duty Concessions
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Corner Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road and Soogrim
Street, Chaguanas
Dr. Simone Titus, Chief Technical Officer (Ag.)
Tel: 220-6253 ext.4203
Web: www.agriculture.gov.tt
IV. Agricultural Finance Support Programme (Agro-Incentive Grant)
This programme assists persons registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries as a farmer, fisherman, licensed woodcutter, licensed saw miller or individuals who can demonstrate that they are currently involved in agriculture, in attainting new techniques, equipment and technology. Successful applicants can access a grant/incentive valued up to TT$100,000.00. Grants would not be available for the purchase of vehicles and other non-essentials such as consultancy fees and regional and international travel.
For more details, including the application process, visit: https://agriculture.gov.tt/aip/agro/agroform.pdf
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Corner Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road and Soogrim
Street, Chaguanas
Tel: 220-6253
Web: www.agriculture.gov.tt
V. The Agricultural Incentive Programme (AIP)
The Agricultural Incentive Programme is a tangible fiscal and non-fiscal package of rebates and exemption on goods and services offered solely to licensed farmers. Benefits of the Incentive Programme include a rebate on a percentage of total cost up to the maximum dollar value indicated in the following tables:
| Vehicles | Rebate |
| New wheel tractor | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $50,000 |
| Used/refurbished wheel tractor | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $25,000 |
| New 4wd pickup/light goods vehicle or panel van | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $40,000 |
| Used 4wd pickup/light goods vehicle or panel van | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $30,000 |
| New 2wd pickup/light goods vehicle or panel van | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $25,000 |
| Used 2wd pickup/light goods vehicle or panel van | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $20,000 |
| New Truck (max 5 tonnes) | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $60,000 |
| Used Truck (max 5 tonnes) | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $40,000 |
| Combined Harvester | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $200,000 |
| All-Terrain Vehicle | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $10,000 |
| Insulation of pickup/light goods vehicle | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $6,000 |
| Insulation and refrigeration of light goods vehicle | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $20,000 |
| Insulation and refrigeration of trucks | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $30,000 |
| Water for Agriculture | Rebate |
| Cost to build pond | 75% of cost up to a maximum of $24,000 |
| Cost of establishing ponds, wells and dams | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $30,000 |
| Water pump 1.5 h.p and over | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $20,000 |
| Cost of irrigation equipment/watering systems | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $40,000 |
| Land Preparation | Rebate |
| Ploughing/ Rotovating/Banking per ha. | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $500 |
| Cost of clearing new lands per ha. | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $2,000 |
| Machinery and Equipment | Rebate |
| Trailers | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $4,000 |
| All machinery and equipment | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $50,000 |
| Soil Amelioration | Rebate |
| Agriculture Limestone per ha. | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $1,500 |
| Soil Conservation (establishment) | Rebate |
| Contour drains per 30m | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $150 |
| Storm drains per 30m | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $175 |
| Contour banking and Contour ridging per ha. | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $1,000 |
| Contour barriers per 30m | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $75 |
| Terrace outlets per 30m | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $120 |
| Check dams | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $200 |
| Crops | Rebate |
| Citrus establishment per ha. | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $6,000 |
| Citrus rehabilitation per ha. | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $4,000 |
| Cocoa/coffee establishment per ha. | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $6,000 |
| Cocoa/ coffee rehabilitation per ha. | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $4,000 |
| Cocoa fermentaries establishment | 10% of cost up to a maximum of $10,000 |
| Coconut establishment per ha. | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $6,000 |
| Coconut rehabilitation per ha. | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $4,000 |
| Protected Agriculture Systems | Rebate |
| Fully enclosed shade houses per sq. m. | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $250 |
| Partially-enclosed shade houses per sq. m. | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $100 |
| Security (Praedial Larceny) | Rebate |
| Security System | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $30,000 |
| Fencing Farmland and pastures | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $25,000 |
| Waste Management | Rebate |
| Cost of establishment of bio-digesters | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $10,000 |
| Integrated Pest Management | Rebate |
| Environmentally friendly chemicals | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $3,000 |
| Approved materials including bio-agents | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $3,000 |
| Post-Harvest and Marketing | Rebate |
| Post-harvest facilities establishment | 40% of cost up to a maximum of $10,000 |
| Packaging Material | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $4,000 |
| Post-harvest equipment | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $30,000 |
| New Chill facility | 30% of cost up to a maximum of $30,000 |
| Upgrade HACCP facilities | 40% of cost up to a maximum of $40,000 |
| Livestock | Rebate |
| Cattle/Buffalo | |
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| Goat and Sheep | |
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| Pigs | |
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| Poultry | |
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| Rabbits | |
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| Agro Processing | Rebate |
| Agro Processing facilities refurbishment | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $20,000 |
| Agro Processing facilities establishment | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $50,000 |
| Packaging material cost per year | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $15,000 |
| HACCP upgrade | 40% of cost up to a maximum of $40,000 |
| New Farmers (Youth in Agriculture) | Rebate |
| Startup costs | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $30,000 |
| Marine Fisheries | Rebate |
| Gasoline | 12 c/litre |
| Diesel | 10 c/litre |
| Engine oil | 75 c/litre |
| Replacement of Pirogues | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $5,000 |
| Used multipurpose vessel | 10% of cost up to a maximum of $50,000 |
| New multipurpose vessel | 20% of cost up to a maximum of $100,000 |
| Upgrade commercial vessel (HACCP) | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $10,000 |
| Approved packaging material (per year) | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $15,000 |
| Approved post-harvest equipment | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $30,000 |
| Aquaculture | Rebate |
| New Ponds | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $25,000 |
| Alternative culture system construction | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $25,000 |
| Ponds rehabilitation | 100% of cost up to a maximum of $7,000 |
| Water pumps, hoses and accessories | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $20,000 |
| Aeration equipment | 50% of cost up to a maximum of $10,000 |
| PVC pipes, valves, fittings and accessories | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $10,000 |
| Harvesting gear and equipment etc. | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $10,000 |
| New wells, dams reservoirs pond etc. construction | 25% of cost up to a maximum of $25,000 |
| Wells and dams etc. refurbishment | 15% of cost up to a maximum of $15,000 |
| Guaranteed Prices | Cost per kilogram (kg) |
| Cocoa | $19 per Kg |
| Coffee | $12 per Kg |
| Rice: | |
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| Milk | $1.50 per Kg |
NB: Bills / receipts are valid for one (1) year; and
Labour is not covered under the Agricultural Incentive Programme.
For more information, visit: https://agriculture.gov.tt/divisions-units/divisions/regional-administration-north/agricultural-incentives/
Disclaimer:
- It is recommended that all farmers contact their respective County Offices to find out the specific eligible criteria for each incentive prior to the purchase of items or execution of works for incentives.
- Farmers are responsible for ensuring that the specific eligible criteria for each incentive are met at application, inclusive of valid documents and agricultural production.
- Submission of an application for incentives does not automatically entitle the Applicant to the benefits of the Agricultural Incentive Programme. Successful qualification is conditional upon verification of title, field inspection, meeting specific eligibility criteria for each incentive and compliance of Lease covenants with final approval being determined / granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.
VI. Grant Fund Facility (GFF)
Provides financing to SMEs involved in inter alia the agriculture/ agro-processing sector, for the acquisition of new capital requirements/expenditure. Through this facility, local businesses can access individual Grants, up to a maximum of TT$250,000 per beneficiary, to finance 50% of the cost of the acquisition. (The Grant does not cover working capital, land and building costs, and installation costs).
Financing is available to companies involved in the following agricultural/agro-processing sub-sectors:
- Cocoa, vegetable and fruit, meat/fish and coffee processing; dehydration;
- Agricultural equipment and chemical manufacturing;
- Sugar and confectionery; chocolate; diary and sauces;
- Beverages (tea, non-alcoholic beverages, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages); and
- Oil extraction.
For more details, including all eligible sectors and the application process, visit: https://tradeind.gov.tt/grant-fund-facility/
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Investment Directorate
Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism
Level 12, Nicholas Tower
63-65 Independence Square
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago, W.I
Phone: +1 (868) 623-2931-4 ext. 2207/2210/2230/2219
Email: mti-investmentdir@gov.tt
VII. Research and Development Facility (RDF)
Through its funding, the RDF endorses support for the successful marketplace entry of innovative and technology driven business ideas in, inter alia agriculture and agro-processing.
Eligible companies can access funding in three (3) phases:
- Phase 1: Feasibility- 70% of the total cost of the project up to TT$100,000.00;
- Phase 2: Product and service development- 50% of the total cost of the project, up to TT$750,000.00;
- Phase 3: Product/Service Commercialization- up to TT$150,000.00
Special Conditions apply.
For more details, visit: https://exportt.co.tt/research-development-facility/
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
exporTT Head Office
151 B Charlotte Street, Port of Spain
Mr. Crisen Maharaj, Manager Capacity Building and Programme Financing
Tel: (868) 612-3988 ext. 7930
Mobile:
(868) 796-4276
Email: cmaharaj@exportt.co.tt
Web: www.exportt.co.tt
VIII. New Reality Loan
This loan offers up to 80% financing for any viable agricultural project with an interest rate ranging from 3-5%.
Individuals involved in the following areas are eligible to access the loan:
- Primary production (crops, livestock, apiculture, fishing, aquaculture or aquaponics);
- Agro-processing;
- Agri-support type activities (agro-shops, seedlings nurseries, tractor services etc.);
- Marketing, Horticulture, Forestry;
- Agro-tourism;
- Agricultural Cooperative Societies;
- Rural development initiatives; and
- Wood working and saw milling.
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Agricultural Development Bank
87 Henry Street, Port of Spain
Tel: 612-0163
Web: http://www.adbtt.com/
IX. ADB Secure Loan
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) provides agri-entrepreneurs with financing for personal and agri- business security.
To qualify for this loan, applicants should be a:
- Citizen or resident eighteen years and over;
- Company registered to do business in Trinidad and Tobago;
- New or existing agri- entrepreneur with a viable project;
- Full or part time farmer; and
- Registered farmer/fisherman.
Applicants can benefit from low interest rates of 3% (effective rate).
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Agricultural Development Bank
87 Henry Street, Port of Spain
Tel: 612-0163
Web: http://www.adbtt.com/
X. Vehicle Package Loan
This loan is specifically for the purchase of a new or used vehicle or tractor. It provides funding to new and/or existing farmers, fishermen and agri- entrepreneurs.
Characteristics of the Vehicle Package Loan include:
- Medium term loan - 8 years for new vehicles and 5 years for used;
- Monthly instalments;
- Funding for new or used vehicles, farm machinery, tractors and attachments;
- Effective Interest rate between 4% to 5%; and
- Funding of up to 100% (terms and condition apply).
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Agricultural Development Bank
87 Henry Street, Port of Spain
Tel: 612-0163
Web: http://www.adbtt.com/
XI. Revolving Loan Account
This is similar to an overdraft facility available to individuals and companies that require specific access to working capital for their operations or every day running of their projects.
It is available to existing clients with good credit ratings. The minimum lending limit for this loan is TT$10,000.00, with an effective interest rate between 4% and 5%.
Responsible Agency/Contact Person
Agricultural Development Bank
87 Henry Street, Port of Spain
Tel: 612-0163
Web: http://www.adbtt.com/