The future of agriculture depends on convincing more young people to enter the sector, officials said on Tuesday, highlighting technology, innovation and new business opportunities as key tools for reversing an ageing workforce and strengthening regional food security.
The issue was among the key topics discussed during a working lunch hosted by the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG), which brought together a delegation from Brazil led by Vice Minister of Agriculture Cleber Soares and representatives of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), headed by Director General Dr Muhammad Ibrahim.
According to a release, participants agreed that agriculture must become more attractive to younger generations through greater use of technology, entrepreneurship and improved access to markets, as many countries face the challenge of an ageing farming population.
The discussions also focused on the growing role of science and technology in agriculture, including the use of artificial intelligence and precision agriculture to improve productivity, sustainability and resilience.
Other issues examined included logistics and transportation challenges, market access opportunities, compliance with food safety and phytosanitary standards, cultivation best practices, and the selection of suitable crop varieties, livestock breeds and seed stock, the release said.
Climate change and its impact on agricultural production and food security also featured prominently, with participants exchanging views on adaptation strategies and the importance of regional and international cooperation in building more resilient agricultural systems.
The meeting explored opportunities for future collaboration between IICA and WTCG following the signing of an agreement earlier on Tuesday between IICA and the Government of Guyana.
Both organisations expressed an interest in working together on initiatives aimed at agricultural development, trade facilitation, innovation and capacity building.
Participants also highlighted private-sector investments in agriculture, including a dairy farm being established by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) at Moblissa and juice production operations by DDL subsidiary TOPCO.
These projects were cited as examples of efforts to strengthen Guyana’s agro-processing sector, reduce import dependence and create new economic opportunities.
