–as regional food hub takes shape
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday met with an executive team from United States (U.S.)-based agricultural company, Blumberg Grain and Logistics, which has been contracted to support Guyana’s efforts to develop a regional food hub and expand agricultural exports.
The team was led by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Philip Blumberg.
During the meeting, the Head of State received an update on the development of the regional food hub.
According to a statement posted by President Ali on his Facebook page, discussions also centred on exploring additional investment opportunities between the company and the Government of Guyana.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat; Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill; Minister of the Public Service Zulfikar Ally and Director of Presidential Affairs Mrs Marcia Nadir-Sharma were also present at the meeting.
Back in July 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Blumberg Grain and Logistics to support Guyana’s agricultural development and export expansion.
During the signing ceremony, Blumberg Grain’s Chairman, Philip Blumberg, said Guyana would become the company’s official hub in the Caribbean region, with the MoU representing the first step towards reducing post-harvest losses and increasing agricultural export capacity.
“First step towards what we are doing is to reduce post-harvest loss. While it is a self-sufficient kind of country, we can reduce post-harvest loss, which is the loss farmers sustain from their field to the market. It will only increase the exportable products in the agriculture sector, and we are focused on CARICOM and northern South America as we make our investments,” Blumberg said.
It was anticipated that under the new partnership, farmers would have greater revenues and improved access to markets across the globe.
The food hub, which will be located at Yarrowkabra along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, is expected, upon completion, to significantly boost Guyana’s export capacity, reduce post-harvest losses to as low as five per cent, and provide new manufacturing and agro-processing facilities.
It is also expected to serve as a base from which Guyana can strengthen trade across CARICOM and South America, while laying the foundation for entry into the United States and other international markets.
The commencement of Phase One of the project took place in 2023, supported by an investment totalling $187 million.
The project aligns with Guyana’s and the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) goal of strengthening regional food security and reducing reliance on imported food.
