Barbadians will soon have a brand-new hub for agricultural learning.

The Hope Agriculture Training Institute (HATI) at Hope Plantation, St. Lucy, is now 98% complete, with facility readiness projected for November 30, 2025. When handed over to the Ministry of Educational Transformation in January 2026, students and teachers will have access to a state-of-the-art facility for tertiary-level agricultural courses.

The China-aided initiative will provide a centre for agricultural learning, research, and entrepreneurship, bringing together programmes from the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute, Barbados Community College, and the Barbados Vocational Training Board.

The 57,000-square-foot facility is designed for 300 students and 60 teachers. It features a dormitory building, seven livestock sheds, three greenhouses, crop storage, a demonstration classroom, and other essential facilities.

The institute, which is set to be officially renamed, will train the next generation of agricultural leaders, strengthen food security, and create career opportunities. Once launched, students will gain hands-on experience in science, technology, and sustainable farming.

HATI is funded by the People’s Republic of China and is one of the most significant China–Barbados initiatives.