Steps are to be taken to enable Guyana’s agricultural produce to enter Brazil following a meeting on Saturday in Boa Vista between Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and an advisor to the Governor of Roraima
GINA said that Holder while engaged in talks with the former Governor and current Special Advisor to the Governor of Roraima, Neudo Ribeiro Campos expressed Guyana’s support for any efforts aimed at fostering closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Several issues relative to cross border trade, the road from Lethem to Linden, a deep water harbour and closer cooperation in the sharing of skills and expertise were also discussed. GINA said that Campos promised action that would allow Guyana’s agriculture produce into Brazil. Agriculture produce from Guyana is currently blocked due to fears that the Carambola fruit fly may be present here. Through the assistance of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), Guyana was able to develop an information sharing system that allows easy reporting on the Carambola Fruit Fly. In its 2011 report, IICA noted that technical officers from Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture undertook eight field trips along the Guyana-Brazil borders.
GINA said that Campos extended an invitation for a technical team from Guyana to meet with its counterparts in Brazil within two weeks to iron out issues of cross border trade.
“Trade with Guyana remains an important part of our Government’s agenda and we will work to ensure that all avenues be sorted (out) and our relationship progress even further,” he said.
GINA said that Holder also raised the problem of Brazilian cattle farmers illegally crossing the border with their animals during Brazil’s dry season to graze on the lush pastures on the Guyana side of the border.
The Brazilian state official promised to look into the matter. GINA said that he noted that it would be easy for the Brazilian authorities to find out who the offending farmers are, and take steps to ensure that the practice is discontinued.
Guyana has been certified free of foot and mouth disease and is therefore free to export beef. However, Brazil has not yet been certified free of foot and mouth disease and therefore the illegal crossing of cows from Brazil to Guyana could jeopardize Guyana’s international certification.
The meeting between Guyana’s Agriculture Minister and the Brazilian State official also allowed for Brazil to again express its keen interest in working with Guyana towards the construction of the road from Lethem to Linden, a deep water harbour, and the establishment of a Hydro electricity generating facility for the supply of power to both countries.
GINA added that the meeting between the two Governments was facilitated by NF Agriculture Inc, a Brazilian company that is currently engaged in a pilot project for the cultivation of soya beans and corn at Ebini, in the Berbice River.
The Agriculture Minister and his accompanying team: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture George Jervis, Chief Executive Officer, National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute, Dr. Oudho Homenauth and Agriculture Diversification Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Jean David were also taken on tours to major soya bean cultivations.
During the visit, the Managing Director of NF Agriculture Yucatan Reis, accompanied by Geison Nicaretta, Alcione Nicoletti and Afranio Webber exposed the Guyanese team to technologies that are used on farms there.
The project by NF Agriculture Inc. involves the growing of soya bean and corn and is expected to significantly aid the Caribbean in reducing its imports of those commodities.
GINA said the Agriculture Minister also visited several farms in the Rupununi including Santa Fe, J.R, Waikin and Peter Alves’ ranch.
While at Santa Fe, the Agriculture Minister got a firsthand look at technologies being used on the farm owned by a Barbadian investor. GINA said that the management of Santa Fe reported that the investment continues to be a favourable one and remains committed to ensuring additional growth in the hinterland.
Since commencing operations, the Santa Fe farm has had successful harvests of paddy and cash crops. The farm has also branched off into rearing pigs, cows and sheep.
The project first started with the cultivation of 120 acres of paddy. However, the Simpson Family, who also owns Sol Group, have since significantly expanded their operations.
The project is being managed and supervised by Guyanese Richard Vasconcellos. Of the 60 employees, 57 are Guyanese from Region Nine, GINA reported.
