Since 2020 there has been a continuous increase in exports of agro-processed commodities

The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) wishes to acknowledge the article ‘Is the GMC hamstrung by the confines of political control? published by the Stabroek Business dated January 27, 2023.

The feedback provided pertaining to the management and function of the country’s premier marketing agency; the Guyana Marketing Corporation is invaluable. However, there are some facts that should be outlined on measures taken by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the execution of the mandate of the Guyana Marketing Corporation which is ‘to promote the development of Guyana’s non-traditional agricultural sector’.

Since the return of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government in August 2020, millions of dollars were allocated to the Guyana Marketing Corporation for the development of the Agro-processing Industry, one that was stifled under the former APNU+AFC administration. Importantly, under the PPP/C government, the advancement of agricultural development across Guyana especially in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10 has catapulted the Agro-processing industry significantly.

Given our country’s commitment to ensuring not only national but regional food security under CARICOM’s 25/25 Initiative, the role of the Guyana Marketing Corporation is undeniably an important one that the management and staff embrace with diligence and commitment at all levels.

At GMC, a number of comprehensive strategies are employed to accelerate the Agroprocessing sector holistically. One of the critical factors considered by the GMC in moving the Agro-processing sector forward is evidence-based extensive market research which influences product development and training of Agro-processors.

Contrary to the information peddled by Stabroek Business, the Guyana Marketing Corporation continues proactive collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, and other government and non-governmental organizations to provide support to Guyana’s Agro-processors and potential agricultural entrepreneurs.

Under the stewardship of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, there is the continued injection of both financial and human resources in pursuit of an aggressive Agro-processing sector which is advancing rapidly due to the pro-active approach by the Guyana Marketing Corporation and the Ministry of Agriculture.

In 2021, under GMC, Guyana’s fledgling Agro-processing Industry was propelled to improve value-added production with the allocation of resources for the construction and equipping of eleven (11) AgroProcessing Facilities in regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10. These facilities are designed using improved technologies to increase post-harvest production and management effortlessly under international standards.

For example, three facilities in Region 9 (Karaudarnau, Maruranau, and St. Ignatius) will be commissioned and fully operational in 2023 to produce cashew and peanut butter, farine, cassava bread other cassavarelated products. Not only will these facilities create employment for several hundred Guyanese, but more women and young people will be able to refine their entrepreneurial skills and enjoy the benefits of passive income by becoming more involved in agriculture through Agro-processing.

Additionally, in 2022, several refrigerated trucks were procured by the Guyana Marketing Corporation and made available to farmers and Agro-processors countrywide to ensure agricultural commodities delivered to various markets are of internationally accepted standards.

Coupled with training and access to improved post-harvest technologies provided by GMC to farmers, Agro-processors and exporters, agricultural wastage is decreased through reduced spoilage thus allowing all agricultural stakeholders better prices for their products by penetrating more markets locally and internationally.

To ensure products are designed and developed to meet the requirements of local, regional, and international markets, the Corporation’s Agri-Business

Development Incubator has been working closely with farmers and agro-processors to create new and innovative value-added products for use as food, beauty enhancements, and nutraceuticals. Services offered by GMC’s business incubator include product development, label designs, cost of production, packaging, labeling, access to financing, assistance with certification procedures, etc.

Since 2020, there has been a continued increase in the exports of Agro-processed commodities due to market penetration

internationally. In 2022, GMC exported nontraditional commodities valued at more than USD$14m to the US, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, and Antigua.

At the end of 2022, a total of one thousand, six hundred and thirty-five (1635) farmers, Agro- processors, and exporters were trained by GMC which resulted in a wider variety of more than two thousand nine hundred and nine locally made products (2909) that are available at the Guyana Shop. This represents an increase of 18% compared to 2019.

Further, GMC continues to maximize all opportunities presented to promote local Agro-processed products. A collaborative approach between the GMC and Agro-processors for the promotion of locally produced items at several local, regional, and international trade shows and exhibitions including the AgriInvestment Forum Trinidad and Guyana, Agro-Fest Barbados, SIAL Canada, Dubai Expo) etc., continues to increase market linkages significantly. Additionally, Agro-processors are encouraged and supported to promote their products at several local events planned by the Ministry of

Agriculture including the farmers market, local trade exposition, promotions at various supermarkets, in-house promotions at the Guyana Shop, and online promotions.

Agro-processors benefit from free advertising via traditional and social media including the Guyana Shop’s social media platforms which are expanding rapidly, local newspapers advertisements, billboards, magazines, and television productions.

Finally, GMC remains committed to supporting the acceleration of agro-processing in Guyana through the provision of excellent quality services to all stakeholders. Collectively, as a team, our goal is to ensure that each product manufactured locally meets the requirements of all markets competitively. The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to play an integral role in the continued success of the Agro-processing industry which is vital for the advancement and transformation of our economy and food security at all levels.