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Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice) is quickly emerging as a key contributor to Guyana’s food security strategy, thanks to the growth of agro-processing infrastructure. Since 2020, over 35 agro-processing facilities have been established across the region, linking local farms to national and regional markets in transformative ways (Ministry of Agriculture).
From the fertile lands of Mahaica and Mahaicony, farmers are now seeing their crops transformed into shelf-ready products—such as sauces, preserves, flours, and condiments—bringing added value to traditional produce. This shift toward processing at the source reduces spoilage, boosts income for farmers, and shortens the distance between farm and fork (Department of Public Information).
These agro-processing hubs serve multiple purposes. Beyond increasing food production, they create employment for residents, especially women and youth, while introducing new business models into rural communities. For many small and medium-scale producers, the facilities provide access to machinery and equipment that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive—leveling the playing field and enabling innovation across the value chain (Ministry of Agriculture).
A core benefit of this regional investment is enhanced food sovereignty. With more food being grown, processed, and packaged locally, the dependence on imports is reduced. At the same time, surplus production opens the door for regional exports, strengthening Guyana’s position in the Caribbean’s food supply system. This not only improves food resilience, but also insulates the economy from international supply shocks (Department of Public Information).
Importantly, the focus in Region Five goes beyond infrastructure. Training and capacity-building programmes are offered in conjunction with the facilities, equipping farmers and processors with the knowledge to meet food safety standards, improve packaging, and tap into emerging markets. These holistic interventions are positioning Region Five as a model for rural food innovation (Ministry of Agriculture).
From Mahaicony’s rice and cassava to Mahaica’s fruits and vegetables, Region Five’s agricultural output is now supported by systems that maximise value, minimise waste, and promote sustainability. The result is a stronger, more resilient food economy rooted in local talent and resources.
These agro-processing facilities are more than just buildings—they represent a turning point for Region Five’s farming communities. They are hubs of empowerment, drivers of rural development, and the engine of food sovereignty in motion (Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Public Information).
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Region 5 Agro-Processing Growth Powers Food Sovereignty Push
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