Oct 16, 2026
2 min read
Farmers, fishers, agro-processors, private-sector partners and all citizens have been urged to renew their collective commitment to food security, as Guyana marked World Food Day on Friday.
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha issued the call as Guyana joined the international community in observing World Food Day 2026 under the theme "Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow". They also called for greater innovation, investment and cooperation to strengthen the food system and reduce the Caribbean's reliance on imported food.
"Through innovation, investment and responsible stewardship of our resources, we can build a modern agricultural sector that expands opportunity, strengthens livelihoods and ensures that every family has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food," Ali said.
He said Guyana was building "an integrated agri-food economy that connects production with innovation, financing, storage, processing, transportation and marketing".
According to Ali, the International Monetary Fund's most recent report shows the agricultural sector has grown by an average of 10 per cent annually since 2022. It contributes six per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and 20 per cent of non-oil GDP.
The President said the Government intends to build on this growth by expanding production across crops, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and agro-processing, while strengthening traditional industries.
Mustapha said Government investment in agriculture rose from $18.4 billion in 2020 to $113.2 billion in 2026, supporting infrastructure development, improved productivity and more sustainable farming.
He highlighted climate-smart agriculture, drainage and irrigation, digital extension services and farm-to-market access as measures to help farmers increase production and improve their livelihoods.
"Agricultural progress must ultimately be measured not only by what we produce, but also by whether families can access safe, affordable and nutritious food," Mustapha said. "We remain committed to strengthening food security, improving nutrition and ensuring that the benefits of agricultural development reach communities across Guyana."
Both Ali and Mustapha underscored Guyana's role in advancing CARICOM's food security agenda, including the 25 by 2030 initiative, which seeks to reduce the region's food import bill. They said farmers, agro-processors and other stakeholders must benefit from a stronger and more resilient food system.
