The Ministry of Agriculture has disclosed that it will welcome foreign investors in its bid to transform the beef and dairy industry to accommodate large scale production.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud has hinted that he is looking at Brazil as a possible source of foreign investment to fulfill this dream.

He emphasised however that priority would be given to Guyanese cattle rearers but noted that their input may not be enough.

“Our local entrepreneurs would be given preference but we will explore foreign investors as well in moving the sector forward,” Minister Persaud said.

The minister remarked that Guyana has tremendous capacity for taking care of its domestic needs while becoming a lead exporter in beef.

However, consultants have determined that Guyana’s current herd size, of about 280,000 head, is not sufficient to support additional export as well as local demand.

The minister made the remarks during the National Meeting for Livestock Farmers at the Guyana School of Agriculture Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The diversification programme encompasses the three agri-business cluster of fruits and vegetables, livestock and aquaculture.

Nigel Cumberbatch, Senior Research Scientist at the National Agricultural Research Institute, (NARI), said that the beef sector is noted for its self-sufficiency since Guyana has never had the need to import beef during peak seasons.

The scientist disclosed that Region Nine had once been the main exporter of beef in the 1960s to neighbouring Brazil.

Cumberbatch, who will now manage the agri business cluster, explained that the hospitality and hotel industries have recently been importing specialty cuts.

“So we are now in the process of reviving the cattle industry to improve and expand beef production,” Cumberbatch stated.

He added that a revived beef industry would be a major foreign exchange earner since there is definitely a market for beef and beef products.

Project Coordinator of the Agri Sector Diversification Unit, Sattie Sasenarine, remarked that the programme will contribute to Guyana’s export growth rate and reduce the volatility attached to a dual-crop economy.

Sasenarine added that training and technical assistance will be provided to farmers to develop their business along the commodity value chain.

Focus will be placed on health and food safety services as well as drainage and irrigation rehabilitation in the Canals Polder, Region Three.

In an effort to support farmers, government is investing a $400M matching grant to assist in herd expansion, pasture preparation and improved genetic stock.

The ministry is also looking for additional lands across the country to accommodate the rapid increase in the cattle population. (GINA)