The suggestion that Guyana has the potential to be the breadbasket for the CARICOM Region has been around for decades. Now that CARICOM countries have been facing significant increases in food prices and, in some cases the limited availability of popular staples, the discussion has taken on new urgency.

Like Belize, Guyana has a large land space with a population of just over 700,000 mostly situated along the Caribbean Coast. For some time the government has been eager to develop the hinterland, and in particular the Savannahs. Bearing this in mind, the government is working to attract agriculture investors by making available very moderately-priced land to interested national and regional Investors.

The Development of the Intermediate Savannah

Long-term lease-holders of some 28,000 hectares of land in the Intermediate Savannah are seeking regional and international investors to collaborate in developing the land for agricultural activities. To this end, the lease-holders will be submitting a master plan which includes exotic fruit and vegetable farming, nurseries, processing and livestock among other areas.

Currently approximately 12 large leaseholders and 45 small farmers are benefiting from the land and producing for the domestic market. Already they are in discussions with some potential joint venture partners for citrus growing and processing, but the size of the overall project allows for partners in a range of other areas as well as citrus. A visit to the area by interested investors could be accommodated.

Integrated Pork Production

Jerlon Pork Products Inc wants discussion on its business plan for growing its pork and pork products production plant. It hopes to fill the unmet local demand for pork which exceeds supply by some 35-40%. This is a fairly young company which aims to be the foremost producer of pork products in the country, using state of the art equipment

Field trip for Potential Investors

During the Forum, the Government of Guyana will be hosting a field trip to Berbice to look at land that is available for external investors. Participants will be invited to a modern aquaculture farm as well.