…as Agriculture Month 2026 gets underway
(Kaieteur News) – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is urging Guyanese to support local farmers and fishers and encourage young people to view agriculture as a sector of innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunity, as the country observes Agriculture Month 2026.
Under the theme, “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana,” this year’s observance is highlighting the transformation of Guyana’s agrifood systems and the growing importance of technology, research, mechanisation, precision agriculture and climate-smart practices.
FAO Representative in Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith
FAO Representative in Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith, said Agriculture Month provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of farmers, fishers, agro-processors, agricultural institutions, communities, women, youth and other partners to 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,” Smith said.
She also highlighted what she described as Guyana’s leadership and strategic vision in advancing sustainable agricultural development across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region.
According to the FAO, agriculture extends beyond food production, playing a critical role in food security and nutrition, livelihoods, rural development, healthy communities and the sustainable management of natural resources.
The organisation said farmers across Guyana are increasingly adopting innovation and new technologies to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and contribute to sustainable development.
Shoppers at the Farmer’s market im Sophia
FAO said its work in Guyana is aligned with these priorities, including efforts to strengthen climate resilience, enhance agricultural value chains, promote digital innovation and support rural livelihoods.
The organisation is also placing particular emphasis this year on the contribution of women to agriculture and the wider food system.
FAO noted that 2026 has been designated the International Year of the Woman Farmer, providing an opportunity to recognise women working as farmers, fishers, processors, traders, beekeepers and rural entrepreneurs.
“From production and fisheries to processing, marketing and trade, women continue to help feed families, create livelihoods, strengthen local economies and support national development,” the FAO said.
The organisation is encouraging Guyanese to participate in Agriculture Month activities and become more aware of where their food comes from, while sharing agricultural knowledge and experiences.
It is also calling on consumers to support local producers by buying from farmers and fishers.
FAO said it remains committed to working with Guyana in developing sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems, while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The organisation said the Agriculture Month theme reflects the broader objective of achieving “better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life” for all.
This version keeps the FAO attribution clear, gives the story a stronger local-news lead, and avoids making the release read like a straight institutional announcement.
Last week the Ministry of Agriculture announced that they are introducing a weekly farmers’ market at Sophia Market starting Wednesday, giving consumers access to affordable produce while helping farmers earn more from their crops.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha announced the initiative at the launch of Agriculture Month 2026 being held under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow. Building a sustainable Guyana”.
He said the market would operate every Wednesday, alongside monthly farmers’ markets in various regions.
The initiative follows instructions from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and commitments in the PPP/C’s manifesto.
“You are invited to go there, and you will have very cheap products,” the agriculture minister said.
He said the markets will help address concerns that farmers were not receiving a fair return for the time and effort they invested in food production.
“Farmers are early in the field, and late in the evening they are still in the field. But sometimes they are not getting the kind of reward that they have to get. We must now allow the farmers to get their benefit, get their reward,” he said.
The markets form part of a wider programme of activities for Agriculture Month, which will give citizens opportunities to engage directly with farmers and other participants in the sector.
The programme includes the inaugural Farmers’ Conference, the annual Honeyfest and World Food Day activities.
Minister Mustapha said the observances should reinforce efforts to build an agricultural sector that can withstand challenges, compete effectively and provide opportunities for a wider range of producers.
He called for continued collaboration to improve farmers’ livelihoods, strengthen communities and support Guyana’s contribution to regional food and nutrition security.
“The future of Guyana’s agriculture is filled with tremendous opportunities. Let us work together to seize these opportunities,” the minister said.
Source: Kaieteur News
