Managing Director of the company, Christophe Sureau recently met Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud to discuss plans in the company’s pipelines which he said Amazon is hoping to execute in partnership with the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report.
Amazon intends to expand its heart of palm cabbage cultivation in Region One to areas along the Demerara, Berbice and Canje rivers, in addition to boosting its certified organic pineapple production in the Mainstay/Whayaka area beyond Region One. This, GINA said, is to be encouraged within the Sustained Livelihood Programme.
The company said its organic farming is to benefit from an expansion which will include papaya, mango, water melon and passion fruit. The products will be exported in cans and/or jars or dried, or in their own juice. Amazon is currently operating three factories across the country: at Rosignol, Mainstay/Whayaka and Drum Hill in Region One.
During the meeting with the Agriculture Minister, Sureau said the company intends to use renewable and non-polluting forms of energy in its factories, specifically solar panels, biogas, biofuel and windmills as cost-cutting measures and in keeping with a low carbon operation. According to the GINA report, Sureau spoke of partnering with the ministries of Agriculture and Amerindian Affairs in the areas of interest.
The minister is quoted as commending company for its existing good relationship with Amerindian communities in the North West District and he also assured Amazon of the ministry’s continued support to improve the livelihood of farmers, particularly in the hinterland and rural communities.
