Guyana and Brazil on Tuesday officially signed a letter of intent to establish a science, technology, and innovation hub backed by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA ).
The partnership involves the Brazilian government and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
The initiative is expected to strengthen agricultural research, technology transfer and climate resilience, while boosting food security and sustainable production across Guyana and the Caribbean.
It also aims to support CARICOM’s efforts to reduce food imports and increase regional food production.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture boardroom, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha described the initiative as a transformative step for Guyana and the Caribbean.
“For the first time, we are seeing here that a centre for science, innovation and technology will be opening here, not only in Guyana, but the Caribbean”, he said
Minister Mustapha further noted that the hub aligned with Guyana’s leadership role in CARICOM’s food security agenda, and will provide farmers, researchers and agri-businesses with access to cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise.
The hub will be guided by the expertise of Brazil’s renowned agricultural research agency, EMBRAPA.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André de Paula, said science, technology and innovation have been the foundation of his country’s agricultural success and can similarly help strengthen food production across the Caribbean.
Additionally, IICA will also play a key role in the initiative through technical support, innovation programmes and capacity building.
IICA Director General, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim, said the organisation sees science, technology and innovation as central to the future of agriculture in the region.
Dr Ibrahim added that the partnership will create opportunities for young scientists and farmers, while helping countries adapt to climate change and modernise agricultural production.
The hub is expected to become a regional platform for research and training, helping Caribbean countries improve productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and manage agricultural pests and diseases.