CONTINUING its commitment to fostering regional agricultural collaboration, Guyana is set to have a significant presence at the Annual Agro Fest in Barbados, scheduled for February 21–23, 2025. According to Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, over 70 Guyanese farmers, agro-processors and businesses have expressed interest in participating, further solidifying Guyana’s pivotal role in the Caribbean’s agricultural landscape.
ELEVATING AGRO FEST
In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Mustapha highlighted Guyana’s integral contribution to Agro Fest, one of the largest agricultural expos in the region. “This event showcases a significant array of Barbados products, yet the Guyanese contingent, which is made up of farmers and agro-processors, represents the largest group of participants and the most extensive display of produce,” he stated.

The minister praised the leadership of Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, whose efforts have made Agro Fest a success. He emphasised that the event not only allows Guyanese participants to exhibit their products but also helps them build valuable networks with other Caribbean farmers.

EXPANDING MARKETS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Minister Mustapha noted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, under President Dr. Irfaan Ali, prioritises creating opportunities for Guyanese farmers. This focus has led to farmers establishing business connections in Barbados and across the Caribbean. Several farmers who participated in previous expos are now regular suppliers to Barbadian businesses, furthering Guyana’s agricultural reach.
“Because of the government’s vision for agriculture and their continuous investment in the sector, a number of Guyanese farmers have connections in Barbados and other Caribbean countries,” Mustapha said. He also recalled his own visit to Agro Fest alongside President Ali, which provided insights into the festival’s impact on regional agricultural development.
Reflecting on the state of Guyana’s agriculture sector, Minister Mustapha contrasted its current vibrancy with what he described as neglect under the APNU+AFC administration from 2015 to 2020. “Over the past four years, we’ve rebuilt the agriculture sector with a massive inclusion of youth and women. Farmers from every region across Guyana now receive the necessary support to sustain their crops and families,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the removal of punitive tax measures, reduced land rental costs, and improved farm-to-market roads as critical steps in the sector’s revitalis ation.

PREPARING FOR SUCCESS
John Edghill, Senior Director of Investment at the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, noting that over 75 businesses across various industries—tourism, agro-processing, and craft production—have registered to participate.
Edghill revealed that a training session scheduled for January 21 will prepare delegates for Agro Fest. Participants will receive guidance on meeting sanitary requirements, effective product marketing, and pricing strategies to account for exchange rate differences.
A business-to-business networking activity on February 24 will further enhance opportunities for Guyanese entrepreneurs to connect with Barbadian distributors. Businesses such as Comfort Sleep, Only Coconut, Tidy-Up Gy, and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) are already reaping the benefits of previous expos, with DDL now supplying its Savannah Milk products to Barbados.
With a large diaspora of Guyanese in Barbados, the event provides a chance for them to access the authentic products they cherish. Agro Fest continues to exemplify the power of regional collaboration, with Guyana leading the charge in strengthening agricultural and business ties within the Caribbean.