Guyana, Colombia propose MOU to strengthen agri ties, expand Cut Rose Project

Guyana and Colombia have begun discussions on the possibility of forming a joint initiative to further develop Guyana’s Cut Rose Project to boost floriculture production. This is expected to take place under a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which would serve as a framework for future collaboration.

These discussions were led by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who on Tuesday welcomed Graybern Livingston Forbes, Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Guyana, who had made a courtesy call on the minister that was aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture.
Their meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture provided an opportunity for both officials to discuss areas of mutual interest, and explore strategic collaborations to support the sustainable development of Guyana’s agriculture sector.
Minister Mustapha expressed appreciation for Colombia’s interest in deepening agricultural ties with Guyana, and emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation in advancing innovation, research, and trade within the region.
Ambassador Forbes reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Guyana, and highlighted the potential for knowledge exchange and joint initiatives. He was particularly impressed by Guyana’s advancement in hydroponic farming, noting it as a model for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices that could be further enhanced through joint research and technical cooperation.
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s ‘Cut Rose’ project, which was conceptualized to create employment for single parents, continues to make significant progress. It had earned over $4 million for the first half of 2023.
The Cut Rose project sought to cut the importation of roses by 30 percent by the end of 2023, and at the same time provide employment and a training ground for single women.
Guyana imports 42,000 roses annually from the US, Canada and Holland, among other countries.
The project’s production continues to increase, with 12,067 roses harvested as at June 2023, and a weekly projection of approximately 500 roses.