A groundbreaking study published in Nature Food has confirmed that Guyana is the only country among 186 nations globally to achieve complete self-sufficiency in food production. The South American nation’s agricultural output is now capable of fully meeting the nutritional needs of its population without relying on food imports.

This remarkable feat comes amid the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) “Vision 25 by 2025” initiative, which aims to significantly reduce the region’s food import bill. Guyana, often referred to as the Caribbean’s breadbasket, is playing a central role in spearheading this effort.

Since 2020, the Government of Guyana has ramped up investments in agriculture by approximately 468 per cent, laying the groundwork for rapid expansion and diversification in the sector. The 2025 national budget allocated GY$430.9 million to the rice industry alone, with seed production now reaching 152,000 bags annually to meet rising demand.

To support burgeoning livestock and fisheries sectors, the Ministry of Agriculture launched the Broiler Breeder Project, resulting in the production of 167,000 hatching eggs and direct support to over 5,500 farmers.

Significant upgrades have been made at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station in Mon Repos, which now spans 14 acres. Improvements totaling GY$300 million were made to fisheries landing sites across Regions Two through Six.

The government earmarked GY$1.7 billion to strengthen the livestock industry, which grew by 24.6 per cent in 2024, with notable gains in poultry, pork, beef, and dairy. Disease control and enhanced breeding practices have been credited for this progress. Aquaculture followed suit with a 13.7 per cent expansion.

Apiculture, or beekeeping, also saw rapid growth. In 2024, honey production soared to nearly 30,000 gallons—up from just 2,600 gallons in 2023—thanks to the distribution of 500 hives to over 1,300 beekeepers.

Meanwhile, land dedicated to corn and soybean cultivation grew from 10,000 acres in 2023 to a projected 25,000 acres by 2025. To support this expansion, more than GY$1.2 billion has been invested in infrastructure, including 40 kilometers of new farm roads.

Farmers have also benefitted from the removal of VAT on agricultural machinery and a GY$2 billion fertilizer support programme, offering one bag of fertilizer per acre to boost productivity.

To diversify agricultural income, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that 1,000 acres will be operational by the end of 2025 for red bean and black-eyed pea cultivation in the Berbice River area. Currently, 77 farmers are cultivating 663 acres of red beans, with projections suggesting a yield of up to 1.6 million pounds annually if 8,000 acres are cultivated.

Youth engagement continues to be a cornerstone of Guyana’s agricultural strategy. Through the Agriculture Innovative and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), over 70 per cent of young participants have transitioned into agribusiness ownership. More than 200 shade houses have been constructed for high-value crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.

From 2020 to 2025, Guyana’s agriculture sector has recorded consistent growth, backed by a strong policy framework and strategic public investment. As climate change and global supply chain disruptions strain food systems worldwide, Guyana’s model of self-reliance is gaining recognition as a regional and global benchmark.

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