Guyana School of Agriculture to become Regional Centre of Excellence

The Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) is set to be transformed into a regional Centre of Excellence through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The initiative aims to modernize vocational training, expand research capacity, and develop a skilled workforce to strengthen food security across CARICOM.

Planned upgrades at the GSA will include modern laboratories, demonstration plots, livestock units, upgraded dormitories and classrooms, enhanced ICT infrastructure, and a situational room supported by a data analytics platform to guide regional decision-making. Tractor operator certification training will resume immediately, while practical modules covering mechanical planting and harvesting, hydroponics, and climate-smart systems will be expanded.

The transformation builds on existing sector innovations, such as the introduction of bio-fortified rice, drone and GIS mapping for crop monitoring, and the promotion of hydroponic and high-value crop production. A stronger, technology-enabled GSA is expected to accelerate the adoption of these tools by producing technicians and managers trained in both fieldwork and data-driven agriculture.

Officials confirmed the Centre will host regional students and researchers, reinforcing Guyana’s position as a Caribbean training hub. Preliminary funding commitments have been made, with the estimated capital requirement around G$1.5 billion, supported by technical cooperation from IICA and other international partners.

The first phase, focusing on infrastructure, ICT systems, and curriculum updates, is slated to begin next year, with phased student access and certifications to follow. Once complete, the revamped GSA will supply skilled labour for modern agribusiness, enhance export readiness, and strengthen the region’s resilience to climate and food-security challenges.