The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a grant of US$280,906 ($58.4m) to implement a food traceability system designed to boost the export of leafy greens and pineapples from Guyana.
A release from the CDB said that the pilot will lay the foundation for a traceability system throughout the agro-food value chain.
The CDB’s Head (Ag), Private Sector Division, Lisa Harding, noted that “food traceability is becoming a requirement for access to regional and international markets and many countries, including emerging economies, have put traceability systems in place.”
“Food traceability also represents one of those areas in which critical investment is required as it is an essential element of food safety,” she noted.
The anticipated upturn in food output and subsequent increase in the consumption of agro-processed products locally and regionally means CDB’s aid will help bolster Guyana’s agricultural production processes and increase the country’s overall competitiveness in the international market.
Highlighting the significance of a traceability system in Guyana, Martin Baptiste, CDB’s Division Chief, Social Sector said “the project holds considerable importance …in its efforts to enhance the national food safety system, in line with CARICOM’s goal of reducing the regional import expenses by 25% by 2025. It is also critical, as Guyana, which is often referred to as the food-basket of the Caribbean, is central to policy initiatives which serve to strengthen food security within the region.”
