US$20M DDL Dairy Farm: A model for Private Sector investment to benefit entire region – ASG

The highly anticipated state-of-the-art US$20 Million dairy farm, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, which is being built by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) aims to transform the industry through a unique combination of innovation and private sector-community partnership. Supported by several local business entities, the farm’s operations are based on efficient milk production using new technology and ensuring that the community benefits through job creation.
Recently officials from the CARICOM Secretariat, led by Assistant Secretary-General (Ag.) Economic Integration, Innovation and Development (EIID), Dr Wendell Samuel participated in a tour of the site for the new dairy farm, one of the transformational agricultural projects implemented in Guyana. This farm is in line with CARICOM’s Vision 25×2025 Initiative, a regional strategy to reduce the Region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

The strategy is a long-term social and economic partnership between CARICOM Member States, the regional private sector, regional organisations, producer groups, development partners and civil society. It outlines actions and critical areas of intervention to tackle the rising food import bill and reduce food insecurity, improve intra-regional trade, and create wealth and economic opportunity for every CARICOM Member State.
According to the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), “This project has a lot of potential to transform the Guyanese economy and the entire industry within CARICOM. One of the things that I like about the project is the integration of the community and the fact that the community of Moblissa is also being included and lifted up. I am also very happy to see today that Vision 25 x 2025 is not just a soundbite, it has underpinned this company’s goal and is part of their overall strategy.”
Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager, Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development highlighted that the farm will help promote similar investments within the Caribbean region.

“I am pleased to see this happening and policy moving into practice. A project like this sets the tone and creates the atmosphere and the appetite for other projects to start. This is a model of how the regional private sector can put our money to use…using it to invest to benefit our entire Region.”
Meanwhile, last month Guyana Times reported that the new state-of-the-art facility is slated to supply the local and regional market by the third quarter of 2025. Speaking to members of the media during a tour of the site Demerara Dairy Inc Finance Director, Vasudeo Singh highlighted that works at the facility are progressing. He explained that already some US$9 Million has already been expended on the project.
With construction works moving apace, Singh revealed that the facility should harvest its first batch of milk by the third quarter of 2025.
The facility, which is located at Moblissa along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway stemmed from an agreement which was signed in February, 2023 by DDL subsidiary Tropical Orchard Product Company Limited (TOPCO) and the LR Group of Israel.
The new facility, aims to produce some 5 million liters of milk annually, this goal will be achieved by the use of some 500 specialized cows which will be sourced from the United States (US). Guyana Times understands that these cows which are known for their milk Producing capabilities will be able to produce some 20-35 liters per day.
These cows will be monitored digitally, through the use of electronic devices. This will provide stakeholders with the necessary information needed to ensure the cows are producing in line with the required standard.