GCCI hosts successful “Farmer-to-Business Symposium”

…as farmers, businesses interact to develop supply chain connections

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on April 2 held a “Farmer-to-Business Symposium” at the Splashmin’s Conference Room that saw over 90 participants –including farmers, and representatives of restaurants, supermarkets, and other businesses within the agriculture supply chain – benefiting from direct engagement between producers and buyers.

According to a GCCI press release, the event was organised by the GCCI’s Agriculture Committee, in collaboration with World University Services of Canada (WUSC), with funding from Global Affairs Canada, and hosted under the theme “Opportunities in Agriculture through Innovation and Collaboration.”
The goal of the event is the development of a sustainable and robust agriculture market system that promotes food security, boosts productivity, and drives economic prosperity for farmers by enhancing competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity through commercialisation and modernisation.

The event also sought to provide a platform for farmers to share their challenges and issues related to access to agricultural innovations, inputs, finance, and Government support, and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to a changing agricultural landscape and thrive in the market.
Among the activities at the symposium was a ‘speed dating for stakeholders’ session, which saw farmer and businesses interacting in order to develop a supply chain connection.
This symposium also brought together stakeholders from key agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture; the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); the New Guyana Marketing Corporation; the Guyana Food Safety Authority; the Small Business Bureau; the Food and Drug Administration, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana; the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).
Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Jagnarine Singh, who delivered remarks on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, stated that the event signified an important milestone in the shared commitment to developing a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous food system for the future.

“This event marks the commencement of what I envision as a long-lasting and mutually advantageous collaboration between farmers and businesses within our hospitality and retail industries. I firmly believe that with the appropriate resources, partnerships, and support, we can develop a food system that is not only resilient but also sustainable, and advantageous for all parties involved,” he posited.
“For 136 years, the GCCI has been committed to fostering business growth, and we firmly believe that bridging the gap between farmers and businesses is essential for economic progress. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, yet too often farmers struggle to secure reliable, profitable markets. Meanwhile, businesses like hotels, restaurants, supermarkets face challenges in sourcing fresh, high-quality local produce consistently,” Councillor and Chairman of the GCCI’s Agriculture Committee, Brian Edwards, noted.
“This event isn’t just about highlighting the challenges; it’s about finding solutions. It’s about action. It’s about building partnerships that lead to sustainable sourcing, stronger supply chains, and greater opportunities for everyone involved. When farmers and businesses collaborate effectively, we create a system where everyone wins—producers, buyers, and consumers alike,” he added.
WUSC’s Agribusiness and Marketing Officer, Parmanan Chandranauth, in recognition of the importance of this initiative, stated, “When these diverse components – input suppliers, extension services, marketing and business development, financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and buyers – work in concert, they create a market system that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. It is a system where farmers can be more than just participants – they can be empowered, supported, and equipped to succeed.”
President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Dee George, who is also a Councillor of the GCCI and Director of Herdmanston Lodge Hotel, in her keynote address, emphasised the crucial role of local sourcing in the success of the hospitality industry. She pointed out the value of supporting farmers by creating sustainable supply chains that benefit both producers and consumers.
Among the farmers who benefited from this initiative was Ameer Rahim, who is also an agro-processor. “What has brought me here today is a journey of growth, opportunity, and collaboration—one that started just like this, at an event where I attended capacity-building sessions hosted by WUSC and GCCI, and their partners. Those sessions were a game-changer for me. They didn’t just provide valuable knowledge, they opened doors to resources. I was able to access critical inputs for my farm and tap into the Government’s processing facilities,” he noted.
He proudly shared that as a result of the capacity-building resources he benefited from through these initiatives, he recently launched his product, ‘Country Side Flavour’, at the Berbice Expo.
“It’s a moment of pride for me, and it all started with just attending a session like this one. It’s proof that anything is possible with the right resources, mentorship, and collaboration.”
The symposium aligns with the GCCI’s efforts to support farmers over the last two years.
The Chamber, through a partnership with a number of agriculture agencies and financial institutions, has engaged farmers across the regions on sustainable agriculture and business practices through its outreach programme.
Furthermore, it also works in tandem with the development of a Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre at the GCCI that aims to advance the development of farmers.