The Principals of Amazon Caribbean Limited have paid a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud to introduce the company’s new management and discuss plans for continued growth in Guyana’s agriculture sector and the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

The company outlined to the Minister its intention to maintain current harvest of heart of palm cabbages in Region One and to expand its venture along the Demerara, Berbice and Canje Rivers. The expansion of certified organic pineapple production in the Mainstay/Whyaka area and its extension to Region One will be encouraged within the Sustained Livelihood Programme.

Also, efforts will be made towards the extension of certified organic farming in Guyana to include papaya, mango, water melon, passion fruit and other tropical fruits. Substantial quantities of these can be processed at the company’s three factories in Rosignol, Mainstay/Whyaka and Drum Hill (Region One). Products will be exported in cans and/or jars or dried, or in their own juice.

As a cost-cutting measure and in keeping with a low carbon operation, the company intends to use renewable and non-polluting forms of energy in factories, specifically solar panels, biogas, bio-fuel and windmills.

Managing Director of Amazon Caribbean Limited, Christophe Sureau, expressed an interest in mutual projects with the Ministries of Agriculture and Amerindian Affairs in areas of the Ministry’s Grow More Food Campaign and sharing experiences and training farmers in organic agriculture.

Meanwhile, Minister Persaud commended the Company for developing a partnership with Amerindian communities in the North West District by encouraging them to supply the company’s on site operation with chickens and vegetables. He also assured the company of the Ministry’s support to improve the livelihood of farmers, particularly in hinterland and rural communities. (GINA)