Guyana celebrates IICA’s 83rd anniversary, strengthening agricultural partnerships

Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, joined IICA’s Country Representative in Guyana, Mr. Wilmot Garnet, in marking the organization’s 83rd Anniversary, celebrating decades of collaboration to advance agriculture across the Americas.

Over the years, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to support Guyana’s agricultural development through technical assistance and innovation. In 2023, the Ministry, in partnership with IICA, launched the GRDB-IICA-17, a zinc-enriched bio-fortified rice variety—the first of its kind in the region.

The Ministry is also collaborating with IICA to transform the Guyana School of Agriculture into a Regional Center of Excellence. The upgraded facility will provide advanced technology, a situational room, and a state-of-the-art data analytics platform to support regional food security and production, allowing students from across the Americas to train on cutting-edge agricultural practices.

Since its founding, IICA has built a network of experts and ambassadors dedicated to transforming food systems across the Americas. Through strategic partnerships, technical cooperation, and innovation, the organization continues to promote equity and sustainable agricultural development in the region.

The anniversary celebrations highlight the ongoing commitment of both Guyana and IICA to advancing agriculture, strengthening technical capacity, and supporting regional food security initiatives.