Agriculture Month 2026 is being observed throughout October, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) using the national observance to highlight the people, innovation and investment needed to build a stronger and more sustainable food system in Guyana.
This year’s theme, “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana,” focuses on the transformation of Guyana’s agrifood sector and the growing use of technology, research, mechanisation, precision agriculture and climate-smart practices.
FAO Representative in Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith, said Agriculture Month provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of thousands of people who sustain the country’s food systems.
“This is an important month for all of us. It provides an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the hard work and dedication of farmers, fishers, agro-processors, agricultural institutions, organisations, communities, women, youth and partners across Guyana. It is also a time to acknowledge Guyana’s strong leadership and strategic vision in advancing sustainable agricultural development in the CARICOM region,” said Dr. Gillian Smith, FAO Representative in Guyana.
The FAO said agriculture extends beyond food production, pointing to its importance to food security and nutrition, livelihoods, rural development, healthy communities and the sustainable management of natural resources.
The organisation said the 2026 theme reflects changes taking place across Guyana’s agricultural landscape and aligns closely with this year’s World Food Day.
Farmers are increasingly adopting technology, research, mechanisation and precision agriculture to improve productivity, while climate-smart practices are helping to strengthen resilience and promote more sustainable production.
FAO’s work in Guyana supports these priorities through programmes aimed at transforming sustainable agrifood systems, strengthening climate resilience, improving value chains, promoting digital innovation and supporting rural livelihoods.
Women Farmers in Focus
A particular focus this year is the contribution of women to agriculture and the wider food system.
FAO noted that 2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer, providing an opportunity to recognise women working throughout Guyana’s agricultural value chain.
Women are engaged in farming, fisheries, agro-processing, marketing, trading, beekeeping and rural entrepreneurship. Their activities contribute to household food security, livelihoods, local economies and national development.
FAO is encouraging Guyanese to participate in Agriculture Month activities, learn more about where food comes from and share agricultural knowledge and experiences.
The organisation is also encouraging young people to view agriculture not simply as traditional farming, but as a sector offering opportunities in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and research.
Consumers are being urged to “support local and buy from the farmers and fishers.”
FAO said strengthening Guyana’s agrifood systems will require continued collaboration among farmers, communities, government institutions, businesses and development partners.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Guyana’s efforts to develop sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
The broader objective, FAO said, is to achieve “better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life” as Guyana works toward a more sustainable agricultural future.
Source: Village Voice News
