The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in partnership with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), recently hosted a two-day “Training of Trainers” workshop for workers in Guyana’s seabob industry. This initiative, aimed at improving food handling and safety practices, focuses on meeting local and international market requirements for seabob products from harvest to preparation.
Seabob (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri), a shrimp species harvested from the Atlantic Ocean, is one of Guyana’s significant exports, with the country recognized as a global leader in seabob production.
The workshop marked the first in a series of planned training sessions to enhance the sector’s performance. Around 15 participants, including representatives from the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Pritipaul Singh Investment (PSI), a prominent private sector processing firm, attended the event.
Dr. Gillian Smith, FAO Representative, emphasized the importance of this public-private sector collaboration in ensuring that all stakeholders across the seabob value chain are equipped with the necessary knowledge to access new, competitive markets.
Participants explored various food safety topics, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), the role of food safety standards in expanding market access, and strategies for reducing waste while minimizing public health risks. Trainers from CRFM also noted that more training sessions are scheduled for later this year, targeting other industry stakeholders, vendors, and fishers.
As part of the FISH4ACP project, FAO and industry leaders will collaborate on developing a comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Strategy for the seabob value chain. This initiative aims to enhance worker safety, reduce injuries, and improve overall conditions for those involved in seabob production.
Funded by the European Union, these efforts are designed to strengthen Guyana’s seabob industry and ensure its long-term sustainability.