Guyana Leads Regional Push for Food Security and Agro-Processing at Major Agri-Economics Conference
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Food growth in targeted agricultural products across the Caribbean grew by 23%, with Guyana meeting 82% of its 2024 food security target, according to Dr. Richard Blair, Advisor to CARICOM and Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture’s Agri-Food System.
Dr. Blair announced at the 35th West Indies Caribbean Agricultural Economics Society (WICAE) Conference, now underway at the University of Guyana’s College of Medical Sciences, Turkeyen.
“Across Guyana, new processing facilities are springing up — creating jobs for rural women and harnessing regional agricultural resources,” Dr. Blair noted.
Focus on Innovation, Food Security, and Climate Resilience
The five-day conference, held under the theme “Drivers for Agriculture and Economic Development,” has brought together regional and international experts to tackle pressing issues such as:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Agro-processing and food storage
- Trade and transport infrastructure
- Nutrition and food security
- Tourism, environment, and the blue economy
Dr. Donna Morrison, Conference Chair, emphasized the importance of Guyana’s leadership role in food production within the CARICOM region.
“We are discussing cutting-edge research and policy frameworks to boost sustainable economic growth,” she said.
Academia Joins the Mission
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, revealed new tech-driven projects including a region-wide food warehousing initiative supported by international funding. This aims to store surplus agricultural produce across CARICOM states, ensuring stability in supply and prices.
The WICAE conference continues through Friday, with panels exploring how innovation, entrepreneurship, and intra-regional trade can bolster economic resilience.
