About CAGRI
Centre for Agricultural Research & Innovation — The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
Our Mission
The Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI) at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, food security, and innovation across Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.
Through collaborative research, practical training, and strategic partnerships, CAGRI bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world agricultural challenges — empowering farmers, students, researchers, and communities to build a more resilient and food-secure Caribbean.
Research & Innovation Focus Areas
Sustainable Agriculture
Research into sustainable farming practices, soil health, and crop management techniques suited to Caribbean climates and small-island contexts.
Food Security
Addressing regional food supply challenges through practical programmes, hands-on training, and collaborative initiatives with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Nutraceuticals & Botanicals
Scientific investigation of medicinal plants — including Annatto and Aloe vera — for therapeutic properties, functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Education & Outreach
Immersive field-based learning for UWI students and community training workshops that translate research outcomes into real-world agricultural skills.
Meet the Director
Dr. Michele D. Singh
Director, Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation
Dr. Michele D. Singh leads CAGRI's research agenda and strategic partnerships across Barbados and the Caribbean. Under her direction, CAGRI has spearheaded landmark programmes in nutraceuticals, sustainable food production, and community agricultural training.
Dr. Singh and her team collaborate closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and regional stakeholders to ensure that CAGRI's research creates tangible, lasting impact for farmers and communities across the region.
Contact Dr. SinghFeatured Initiatives
Dukes Agricultural Project
A 14-acre living laboratory at Dukes, St. Thomas, where CAGRI cultivates Annatto and Aloe vera for nutraceutical research, student field training, and community partnership — positioning Barbados at the forefront of botanical science.
View All ProjectsLayer Cage Building Workshop
In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, CAGRI hosted a hands-on battery cage construction workshop attended by over 80 participants — directly addressing Barbados's egg supply challenges and empowering local farming entrepreneurs.
View WorkshopsECOL 3463 Field Programme
UWI students in the Tropical Crop Ecology course gain immersive field experience at Dukes — covering land preparation, germination trials, soil testing, pest management, and post-harvest processing alongside CAGRI researchers.
Read the NewsKey Partners & Stakeholders
Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security
Government of Barbados — primary institutional partner for research, policy, and community outreach programmes.
Dukes
Faculty of Science and Technology and Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences — academic home of CAGRI.
Barbados Agricultural Society
BAS — representing the interests of Barbadian farmers and agri-businesses, supporting training and industry development.
Stuarts Farming
Local Farm, our partner in research andcommunity outreach programmes.