CAPE Agricultural Science Syllabus 2026

Students will describe the different branches of agriculture, including examples of components within each area.

Students will describe and compare the characteristics of conventional and non-conventional farming systems for crop and animal production.

Students will evaluate the historical evolution of agriculture in the Caribbean, comparing contributions and modernization across different eras.

Students will describe the location, function, and hormones of endocrine and exocrine glands responsible for growth, digestion, reproduction, and milk production in farm animals.

Students will examine the anatomy, physiology, and importance of male and female reproductive systems, including breeding methods, for farm animal production.

Students will analyze the anatomy, physiology, and importance of digestion in ruminant, non-ruminant, and hindgut fermenter farm animals.

Students will explain the mechanisms and importance of photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, translocation, photoperiodism, and phototropism for crop production.

Students will explain the importance of the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water cycles to crop and animal agricultural production.

Students will explain the significance of cation exchange capacity (CEC) to soil fertility, including its effect on soil pH and nutrient availability.

Students will define and apply key agribusiness concepts such as supply/demand, depreciation, opportunity costs, and break-even analysis in decision making.

Students will design comprehensive business plans for agricultural products, incorporating executive summaries, marketing plans, and production plans.

Students will assess the importance of agricultural trade to the Caribbean region, including governing agencies, trade agreements, and impacts on domestic food supply.

Define horticulture and describe its major branches, including floriculture, pomology, olericulture, arboriculture, and landscape horticulture.

Examine various non-conventional farming systems, such as hydroponics, roof-top farming, organic farming, and vertical farming, assessing their relevance, benefits, and challenges in the Caribbean.

Recommend practices for establishing lawn and turf, covering grass characteristics, varieties, suitability for different uses, establishment methods, and ongoing management.

Justify the use of sustainable landscaping in the Caribbean by detailing its components, including soil management, agroforestry, wildlife habitats, and renewable energy, along with associated benefits and challenges.

Understand the definition and purpose of postharvest technology and its key activities from cleaning and sorting to packaging and transportation.

Examine specific postharvest techniques required for cutting, transporting, storing, cleaning, packaging, labelling, and temperature control of ornamental crops.

Define food safety and apply the seven principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) for a preventative food safety strategy in crops.

Students will justify the importance of environmental protection to agricultural stakeholders, considering benefits, consequences of neglect, and various perspectives.

Students will assess the environmental impact of atmospheric pollution, covering air composition, causes, major sources, and effects on atmosphere, health, land, and water.

Students will discuss various measures used to maintain and improve air quality, including reducing emissions, promoting ventilation, and encouraging sustainable practices.

Students will assess the environmental impact of soil and water pollution, outlining composition, importance, sources, and effects on crops, livestock, and aquatic life.