Food security in Guyana: a success story backed by data

Dear Editor,
In recent months, there has been growing commentary suggesting that a large portion of our population is now unable to afford a healthy diet due to rising food prices. While it is true that global food prices have experienced significant increases – largely driven by international supply chain disruptions, inflation, and climate-related challenges – it is important to place this issue within the proper national context.
Over the past few years, the Government of Guyana has taken proactive steps to shield citizens from the worst effects of imported food inflation.
Recognising the global crisis, the Government swiftly rolled out a comprehensive package of policies aimed at reducing agricultural costs and boosting domestic food production.
Among the most impactful of these interventions was the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides, and agrochemicals – actions that came at a notable fiscal cost to the treasury.
The Government also eliminated VAT on agricultural machinery and reversed previous fees on drainage and irrigation services that had burdened farmers for years.
Beyond tax relief, the Government went a step further by directly supporting producers with the provision of free fertilisers, planting materials, and shade houses.
These initiatives were all designed to make farming more viable and to ensure a steady, affordable food supply for our growing population.
The results of these efforts are both measurable and significant.
Between 2020 and 2024, domestic crop production increased by 28 per cent. Root crop production rose by 65 per cent, spices by 26 per cent, beans and cereals by an impressive 533 per cent, vegetables by 14 per cent, and cole crops by 412 per cent.
In the livestock sector, poultry production surged by 92 per cent, while beef, chicken, mutton, and pork production increased by 23 per cent, 159 per cent, 175 per cent, and 132 per cent, respectively.
In fact, these gains have drawn international recognition. A recent study published in
“Nature Food” identified Guyana as the only country in the world that is fully self-sufficient in food production to meet the nutritional needs of its population.
This is no small feat and speaks to the long-term vision and efficacy of the Government’s food security policies.
Most importantly, these policies have directly translated into increased food affordability.
According to the 2025 edition of the FAO’s “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report, the percentage of Guyanese unable to afford a healthy diet dropped dramatically – from 41.3 per cent in 2017 to less than 5 per cent by 2024. This sharply contradicts the popular narrative that food has become unaffordable for most citizens due to recent price trends.
While food insecurity remains a pressing global challenge, Guyana stands as a powerful example of how decisive policy and investment in local agriculture can turn the tide. It is crucial that we acknowledge this progress and not allow anecdotal concerns to overshadow the data-driven success we have achieved as a nation.

Regards,
Kevin Persaud