Farmers to shape National Action Plan for agriculture

October 12 2026

Farmers across Guyana will help shape the next phase of the country’s agricultural development, with recommendations from the inaugural Farmers’ Conference set to inform a national action plan for the sector.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha made the announcement on Monday when the conference opened at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Mustapha said the government’s agricultural transformation agenda must be guided by the experiences and practical knowledge of farmers, noting that sustainable progress requires their direct involvement in shaping and implementing policies.

The conference was established following concerns raised by farmers during a previous outreach exercise, when they highlighted the absence of a national forum where producers could meet, exchange ideas and discuss challenges affecting the sector.

The minister said the initiative reflects the government’s effort to give farmers a greater voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods and the future of agriculture.

Guyana’s agricultural development agenda is guided by the government’s 2025 Manifesto, the National Development Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. Mustapha stressed, however, that these plans must be informed by the realities faced by crop farmers, livestock producers, fisherfolk and agribusiness operators.

Participants were divided into breakout groups based on their areas of farming, with technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture assisting discussions.

Mustapha encouraged participants to focus on recommendations that could benefit the wider sector, rather than individual requests, which could be addressed through existing channels.

The Guyana Development Bank is also participating in the conference, highlighting the importance of financing in helping farmers expand their operations and grow their businesses.

The minister further urged participants to use the gathering to build connections and share knowledge, noting that the conference brings together large-scale producers, emerging entrepreneurs and leaders of farming organisations with years of experience.

He also highlighted the role of Guyana’s agricultural sector in regional food security, particularly through the CARICOM initiative known as *25 by 2025 + 5*, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill.

The inaugural Farmers’ Conference is a flagship activity of Agriculture Month 2026, being observed under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana.”