Guyana: Brazil, IICA Examine Aging Agricultural Workforce and Other Issues

Top officials from the Brazilian government and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) convened to discuss various issues affecting the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on the aging workforce. The meeting, facilitated by World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) Executive Director Wesley Kirton, aimed to explore strategies for attracting younger generations to careers in agriculture.

Participants highlighted the importance of making agriculture more appealing through:

• Innovation
• Technology
• Entrepreneurship
• Improved access to markets

In addition to workforce concerns, discussions also addressed the transformative role of science and technology in agriculture. This included the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and precision agriculture techniques aimed at enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience within the sector.

Other topics of discussion included:

• Logistics and transportation challenges
• Market access opportunities
• Compliance with food safety and phytosanitary standards
• Best practices in cultivation
• Selection of suitable crop varieties, livestock breeds, and seed stock

The impact of climate change on agricultural production and food security was also a significant focus, with participants sharing views on adaptation strategies and the necessity of regional and international cooperation to build resilient agricultural systems.

The meeting further explored potential collaborations between IICA and WTCG, following a recent agreement signed between IICA and the Government of Guyana. Both organizations expressed interest in initiatives that support agricultural development, trade facilitation, innovation, and capacity building.

Additionally, discussions included private sector investments in agriculture, such as the dairy farm being established by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) at Moblissa and the juice production operations of DDL’s subsidiary TOPCO. These projects were noted as efforts to enhance Guyana’s agro-processing sector, reduce import dependence, and create new economic opportunities.

Source: demerarawaves.com