Agriculture Month 2026: Pres Ali targets Caribbean food capital status as Guyana ramps up agriculture

President Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined a vision for Guyana to become the Caribbean’s food capital, with increased production, processing, exports, technology, and investment expected to drive the transformation of the agriculture sector.
In his Agriculture Month 2026 message, Ali said food production is no longer simply about supplying what is placed on the table but is closely linked to national security, economic strength and resilience.
He said Guyana’s ability to produce food for itself and contribute to the needs of neighbouring countries has become increasingly important against the backdrop of global uncertainty.
“That is why, as we launch and celebrate Agriculture Month 2026, we do so with a vision that reaches far beyond the boundaries of our farms and fishing grounds,” Ali said.
He said the Government is pursuing a vision of a Guyana that “produces more, processes more, exports more, creates greater opportunities for our people and helps to strengthen regional food security.”
Ali said the transformation of agriculture is already underway through the introduction and expansion of new technologies and production methods, including precision farming, improved genetics, digital extension services, hydroponics, protected agriculture, and modern poultry systems.
He also identified planned agro-processing hubs and stronger links between production, logistics and markets as important elements of the emerging agricultural ecosystem.
According to Ali, the objective is to create a sector that is innovative, sustainable and competitive, capable of serving the domestic market while competing in regional and global markets.
The President said the Government has been increasing its investment in agriculture to support that transformation.
He said the national agricultural budget increased from $18.4 billion in 2020 to $113.2 billion in 2026, representing a 515 per cent increase.
Ali said the investment is supporting initiatives including large-scale corn and soybean production in the Intermediate Savannahs, drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, agro-processing, storage and logistics, livestock, aquaculture, and research and extension services.
He also pointed to the soon-to-be-launched Guyana Development Bank, which he said will provide additional access to capital for small-scale food producers and agro-processors.
Ali stressed that infrastructure alone will not transform agriculture, saying innovation must remain at the centre of the process.
He identified artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, improved genetics and data-driven production systems as areas that will increasingly influence how efficiently and profitably food is produced.
The President also said the Government is encouraging partnerships and consortiums involving the private sector, young people and women to take advantage of opportunities across the agriculture sector.
He said Guyana’s agricultural transformation is not only a national undertaking but also a regional responsibility and opportunity.
Ali said the country continues to play a role in advancing food and nutrition security within CARICOM while working towards the 25 by 2030 initiative and beyond.
He said increased production should contribute to regional food security by reducing excessive dependence on imports, strengthening supply chains and deepening collaboration among Caribbean countries.
Ali said Guyana has the land, water, natural resources and skills to play a greater role in meeting the food needs of the region.
He also linked agricultural development to employment, wealth creation, foreign exchange earnings and improved livelihoods.
Agriculture, he said, remains a foundational pillar of Guyana’s economy despite the country’s rapid economic transformation, with opportunities extending beyond primary production to processing, logistics and other activities along the agricultural value chain.
He also called for greater participation by young people and women, saying agriculture should be viewed as a modern, technologically driven and rewarding enterprise.