With the potential for reduced fertiliser costs, the expansion of farm-to-market roads, the commissioning of a regional ferry, and reduced agricultural land fees—among other supportive measures—Guyana is well poised to reclaim its “Breadbasket of the Caribbean” title.
CARICOM remains firm in its commitment to reducing the region’s food bill by 25 per cent, extending its target from 2025 to 2030. Given the country’s ongoing “agricultural boom”, Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, believes that the country stands ready to significantly benefit from the over US$6 billion spent on food each year by the bloc.
He noted that the current government has implemented numerous measures in recent years, all aimed at supporting farmers and improving the nation’s ability to get its produce to various markets.
Dr Ramsaroop highlighted that one of the key upcoming initiatives, following the Wales Gas-to-Energy project, is the construction of a fertiliser plant. The country has already signed a deal to significantly reduce the costs of this essential commodity.
Additionally, he pointed to crop diversification efforts such as soya production, the expansion of corn and poultry farming, the finalisation of a ferry service between Trinidad and Barbados, and the establishment of a food terminal in Barbados as crucial mechanisms to support Guyana’s food exports to the region.
In the case of Go-Invest, Dr Ramsaroop noted that his office’s role in export promotion is to connect producers with distributors across the region.
“So it will be very important that the agriculture sector continues to be the backbone of Guyana. That is what we are known for,” the Chief Investment Officer said.
He dismissed concerns about the potential for Dutch disease resulting from the oil sector, emphasising that Guyana intends to remain focused on its strengths and expand the sectors that have sustained the country long before the advent of oil and gas.
