The Government of Guyana remains committed towards the development of every aspect of the agricultural sector; and the re-launch of the Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association (GAPA) on May 15, 2009, is another implemented strategy to ensure that this goal is achieved.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, addressing farmers at the GAPA conference in Region 2

Saturday, a team from the agriculture sector led by Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, hosted a regional conference to extend GAPA to the Mainstay/Whyaka community at the Mainstay Conference Center.

President of GAPA and Regional Chairman, Region 2, Ali Baksh said that the formation of GAPA dated back to 1955 as the Pomeroon Agricultural Producers’ Association (PAPA), led by the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan. He lauded Minister Persaud for his steadfast commitment to diversifying agriculture throughout the country.

Minister Robert Persaud described the resuscitation of GAPA as timely, given the status of the global economy. He said that it is a necessary step as it allows for Guyana to diversify its agriculture practices; but more so, to realize the full potential of the non-traditional crop sector.

The Minister emphasized the need for farmers to develop mechanisms and be more organized in order for them to benefit from collaborations with the government and other agencies.

The Minister explained that the structuring of the Agricultural Diversification and Export Programme, which costs US$21.9M, and the Rural Enterprise Agri-development Project, which costs US$6.7M, are comprehensive programmes which are also complemented by other initiatives so that Guyana can move forward in the other sub sectors and the other crops sector.

The Minister urged farmers to be more proactive in their approach to their agriculture practices and to employ partnership strategies to procure the support that they need.

GAPA is currently implementing a draft work programme that includes the hosting of a regional conference. (GINA)