It is well known that Guyana’s agriculture sector makes an almost 20 percent contribution annually to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Be that as it may, international data on the production and export of locally processed foods such as sauces and seasonings, ground spices, snack foods, cocoa processing, and herbal teas show that they are usually a very negligible part of the agriculture sector’s overall contribution.
Hoping to change this dynamic however are two organizations: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission and the Guyana Economic Development Trust (GEDT), a US and Guyana-based initiative that supports innovation in science, technology and agriculture.
The two agencies recently joined forces to launch the Economic Development Incubator and Accelerator (EDIA) for Guyanese agro-processors. According to the two entities, processing agricultural outputs (agro-processing for short) is an increasingly important source of employment. Both acknowledged that it can also contribute to wealth building for small-scale operators and marginalized groups in Guyana once given the right opportunities.
Speaking to the importance of the new initiative, Regional representative of the USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission, Clinton White said, “We see the EDIA as catalytic, an innovative private-sector project that will support development in the region while ushering in economic prosperity. Small and growing businesses (SGBs), while they are succeeding, need more capital and technical assistance.”
The USAID official added, “This is important as SGBs are the future of economic development, and particularly in this region where climate resilience is a significant issue.”
White the USAID is, therefore “beyond excited” to support Guyanese agro-processors in taking their growth to the next level.
Guyana Standard understands that applications for the accelerator will open shortly, and virtual training begins in September.
The EDIA will provide up to 30 agro-processors in Guyana with training and hands-on technical assistance, in collaboration with our international partners. They will also vie for non-reimbursable grants, awarded to five of the most promising companies, to help them grow.
“We’re looking for the best products, with the greatest chance of driving export growth,” stated Oslene Carrington, chief executive officer of the Guyana Economic Development Trust.
To get notified when applications open, she invited agro-processors to join this mailing list: www.theguyanatrust.org.
