First Agriculture Village opens at Guyana Energy Conference

Local farmers and agro-processors are showcasing Guyana’s agri-tourism potential as the first Agriculture Village opens at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo on Monday.

The village, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Agriculture, is being hosted at the Kingston Esplanade until 21 February.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, officially opened the village with a promise that there will be many more. He urged delegates, investors, and tourists to take advantage of the opportunity to create new markets from the products on display, highlighting the tremendous potential for farmers and agro-processors.

The minister further emphasised advancements in Guyana’s agriculture sector, noting that over 4,000 new products have entered the market.

“Although oil and gas is a highly attractive sector, the agriculture sector has developed rapidly over the last four years. We have seen tremendous growth, and I believe Guyana is well positioned to become the agricultural leader we aspire to be in the region. Traditional crops have expanded and increased in production. However, Guyana is now emerging as a new destination for crops and commodities that the Caribbean typically imports,” the minister stated.

He pointed to high-value crops such as corn and soya while also noting the sector’s growing linkages with the oil and gas and hospitality industries.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Conference, Kiana Wilburg, underscored the importance of the initiative, stating that it serves three key purposes.

“The first is that it reinforces the significance of discussions around leveraging Guyana’s natural resources for a sustainable future, particularly in relation to oil and gas. Regardless of these conversations, we must ensure that our policymakers and stakeholders always keep agriculture at the forefront of Guyana’s diversification agenda,” Wilburg noted.

The second purpose, she added, is to ensure that stakeholders in Guyana’s agriculture industry gain broader market exposure to showcase their capabilities.

Thirdly, she said, the conference serves as a hub for connecting experts and stakeholders from 26 industries.

“We want to ensure they are paired with local partners who have the necessary capabilities, and we want to highlight the investment opportunities available in Guyana’s agricultural landscape,” Wilburg emphasised.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha examines a product at the Agriculture Village

Fruits on display at the village