State-of-the-art pack houses boost exports

A larger number of farmers and exporters across the country are finding it easier to export produce with the establishment of an agro-packaging facility at Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Government & private sector officials tour the Parika Agro-Packaging Plant

In keeping with Protocols of Trade that exist between Guyana and several countries throughout the region, exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables must package their produce at an established packaging facility prior to it being exported. Initially, this could only have been done at the Guyana Marketing Corporation’s (GMC) Central Packaging Facility located at Sophia, in Georgetown. This meant that farmers and exporters operating at remote locations had to transport their produce over considerable distances before exporting.
This is no longer necessary. With the establishment of the Parika Agro-Packaging Facility, the large volumes of produce which originate from locations throughout Regions 1, 2 and 3, can now be handled at this location, negating the need to expend hours and additional cash to transport these commodities to Georgetown.
The $89M facility which directly benefits more than 3,000 farmers aims to promote further development of the non-traditional crops sector and is part of Government’s wider focus on agricultural diversification. It caters for all preparations for export, ranging from post harvest to cleaning, washing, drying, packaging and cold storage.
Farmers are now guaranteed a value-added production facility that will enhance the marketability of local produce.
             While these facilities play an integral role in facilitating exports, GMC plays a larger role by bridging the gaps between farmers, exporters, agro-processors and potential investors. Anyone, anywhere in Guyana and around the world who is interested in exporting fresh fruits and vegetables or establishing farming or agro-processing facilities need only to contact GMC for guidance and support.
            The expert market facilitation services which GMC provides not only guarantee that beneficiaries are fully aware of the entire process, but also ensure that they are continuously guided and assisted throughout the process.     

            With GMC’s role and the support of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) and other agencies, the objective is to position Guyana to benefit from the US$270M worth of investment opportunities that exist in the non-traditional crops sector.
            Lead CARICOM Head-of-State on Agriculture, President Bharrat Jagdeo has made the point that agro-investment opportunities which exist in the region’s agriculture sector amount to US$1.5B.
            Ensuring that Guyana is well equipped to benefit from these opportunities is therefore critical if the country’s agriculture sector is see continued growth and development.

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