Guyana to start exporting fresh produce to CARICOM

GUYANA--President of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced that within the next 12 months, Guyana will begin transporting fresh produce directly to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states, a move expected to expand regional trade, strengthen hinterland agriculture, and create new export opportunities for local farmers.

The announcement was made during the sod-turning ceremony for the new airport terminal at the Bartica aerodrome. President Ali described the initiative as part of a broader national strategy to enhance food security, streamline transportation, and position Guyana as a major supplier of fresh foods within the Caribbean.

Improved air connectivity is expected to dramatically reduce transport time from farm to export point, enabling farmers in Region Seven and neighbouring regions to reach new regional markets.

“Within 12 months, we will fly food out from the interior, directly into CARICOM countries,” President Ali said at the ceremony, noting that the initiative will also generate new income streams for communities traditionally focused on mining, which are now expanding into agriculture and agro-processing.

The president added that the export push aligns with CARICOM’s regional goal of reducing the food import bill by 25 percent. The plan will allow Guyanese farmers to scale production, increase value-added processing, and earn higher returns, while ensuring that economic development reaches hinterland regions, not just the coastal areas.

“This will ensure that hinterland producers participate fully in the national and regional economy. We are creating opportunities where people live,” President Ali said, underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable development across all regions.

The government is working closely with air operators and regulatory agencies to establish the necessary logistics for the seamless transport of agricultural produce from the interior to CARICOM markets.

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