The Third Regional Agri-Investment Forum, which took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, was deemed a success by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha.
The event, attended by 150 exhibitors, over 80 agro-processors, investors, farmers, government officials, and various stakeholders, was hailed as a resounding success. Minister Mustapha expressed his satisfaction with the outcome during a press briefing.
Organized by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture and the CARICOM Secretariat, this year’s forum was held under the theme ‘Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025.’ It marked the second such event held in Guyana and saw high-level delegations from countries such as Suriname, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Saint Vincent, North America, and Canada, among others, in attendance.
The forum served as a platform for various stakeholders in the agriculture sector to discuss and network, as well as showcase their products and services. It also aimed to address the region’s rising food import bill and stimulate investment in agriculture and food production.
Several important projects were launched during the event, including a US$4.5 million hydroponics program for youth from regions Two, Five, and 10. This program is part of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Program, aiming to expand agricultural practices among the youth.
The forum also saw the introduction of a new bio-fortified zinc-enriched rice variety, which is expected to benefit both farmers and consumers. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding with the Republic of Cuba to provide agricultural and forestry technical assistance services, focusing on various areas of interest.
The forum featured technical presentations and panel discussions covering critical areas in the agriculture sector, including women and youth in agriculture, financing, climate-smart initiatives, agricultural technology, and the Low Carbon Development Strategy.
A three-day farmers’ market was set up at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, and Minister Mustapha expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the event’s success. The Minister also mentioned that preliminary plans for next year’s Expo are already in the works, with the promise of an even better event in the future.
