Gov’t Launches Food Safety Training to Strengthen Agriculture Sector

The Government of Guyana has begun a food safety training programme aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring that locally produced food meets high safety and quality standards.

The initiative, which started on March 9, 2026, will be conducted across communities in Region Four as part of a national effort to improve the country’s food safety system.

The programme is being implemented through collaboration among the Guyana Food Safety Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and the Ministry of Health.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the initiative will feature a series of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety training sessions scheduled to run from March 9 to 12, 2026.

The training is expected to target key stakeholders within the food supply chain, including farmers, agro-processors, vendors, food handlers, and other agricultural stakeholders.

Organisers say the sessions are designed to provide participants with practical knowledge on safe food production, handling and processing practices. The programme also aims to reduce the risks of contamination while improving the overall quality of food produced locally.

Participants will receive guidance on maintaining hygienic conditions during production, proper storage and handling techniques, and the importance of following recognised agricultural safety standards.

Officials say the training is also expected to benefit farmers and food producers by improving the marketability and reliability of locally produced food, helping to ensure that products are safe from “farm to table.”

The Ministry of Agriculture is encouraging farmers, agro-processors, vendors and food handlers in Region Four to participate in the sessions closest to their communities.

Strengthening food safety systems remains a key priority for the government as Guyana continues efforts to expand agricultural production and improve national food security.