June 2014 GMC`s Agro Marketer Neswletter

Volume 4, Issue 2
Agro Processors Forum staged to Propel
Local Agro Processing Industry to 2020 and Beyond
The Ministry of Agriculture through the Guyana Marketing Corporation continues to add
impetus to the further growth and development of diversified agriculture production in
Guyana. To this effect focus has been firmly placed on improving Guyana’s agro processing industry, a pertinent industry with serious potential of contributing significantly to
Guyana’s economy. The Ministry of Agriculture through GMC in collaboration with the
Guyana Agro Processors Association (GAPA), being cognizant of the vast potential of this
emerging industry, staged the inaugural Agro Processors Forum on March 28th, 2014 at
the International Conference Centre. This forum provided participants a golden opportunity to strengthen links and build relationships among stakeholders. This event was staged
under the theme
‘Shaping
the
future of agro
processing
in
Guyana,’ which
seemed fitting,
since organizers
of the event
aimed at developing a roadmap
for
Guyana’s
local agro processing industry,
taking it to 2020
and beyond.
Con’t on Pg. 6
Guyana Shop
Corner
Launched at
Spready’s
Supermarket
The Ministry of Agriculture in a committed effort to further
develop the local agro processing industry placed a new mandate to the Guyana Marketing
Corporation. This mandate is to expand the Guyana Shop to all regions of Guyana. On the
31th, May 2014 the Guyana Marketing through its Guyana Shop made significant strides
in this regard, with the commissioning of the Guyana Shop corner located at Spready’s
Supermarket Port Maurant, Berbice, region 6. This action was a direct result of the recently concluded Agro Processors Forum staged to propel the agro processing industry to
2020 and beyond.
Persons residing in and around region 6 can now have direct access to a wider variety of
locally manufactured products whilst local processors simultaneously have the opportunity
to supply a new market. Moreover, this provides a platform for customers to purchase
even more locally produced products. Officers at GMC have been working Con’t Pg. 2
June, 2014
Inside this issue:
Agro Processors Forum
staged to Propel
Local Agro Processing
Industry to 2020 and
Beyond
6-7
Guyana Shop Corner
Launched at Spready’s
Supermarket
2
GMC Continues to
Support Linden Expo
3-4
Guyana Shop Participates In Second
Annual International
Food & Drinks Festival
5
CXC Launches
Agriculture Science
as new CAPE Subject
in Guyana
8
GAPA & Its Contribution to Agriculture
in Guyana
9
MEET TEAM GMC
10
Average Retail Prices
of Produce for Quarter
11
About this Newsletter
This newsletter is a quarterly bulletin
of the Guyana Marketing Corporation. It provides information and
market intelligence in non– traditional agricultural produce for the
local and export markets. The newsletter is aimed at strengthening the
information base of our farmers, agribusinesses and other stakeholders.
Increasing the Export of NonNon-Traditional Agriculture Produce
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
Guyana Shop Corner
Launched at Spready’s Supermarket
tediously behind the scenes to make this initiative a success. They were
successful in persuading more local processors to come on board with this
national initiative. Spready’s Supermarket is the first to come on board and
was eager to get things started.
During a small ceremony to officially launch the Guyana Shop Corner at
Spready’s supermarket a representative during her address related that
Spready’s Trading was pleased to be the first to come on board with
GMC’s Guyana Shop to execute this plan and is committed to having more
local products on its shelves for their valued customers. The Spready’s rep
went on to state that their customers could be assured that with the help of
GMC more new and improved local products will be hitting their shelves
soon.
Chairing this small ceremony was Guyana Shop Manager, Mr. Kevin
Macklingam who during his address reiterated that all the local products
shelved in the Guyana Shop and now the Spready’s supermarket were registered with and approved by the Food & Drug Analysis Department. The
Guyana Shop Manager assured the gathering that these products were more
than safe for human consumption and GMC’s commitment to working with
processors to ensure the quality and safety of all products shelved in the
Guyana Shop and other supermarkets coming on board in support of this
initiative.
Delivering the feature address was the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie
Ramsammy who stated that Guyana is currently spending millions of US
dollars to import food most of which is produced locally. This according to
Minister Ramsammy is unacceptable and stated that the goal of his ministry is to have a Guyana Shop corner in every major supermarket in all the
regions in the country. According to the minister this will make locally
manufactured products more accessible by more Guyanese. The minister
stated that his ministry through GMC and its Guyana Shop is now focusing
its attention firmly on launching similar corners in major supermarkets in
Regions 2, 3, 5 and the hinterland regions.
Minister Ramsammy went on to state that the Agriculture ministry is working assiduously with farmers to satisfy Guyana’s need for ginger, carrots,
turmeric and black pepper by 2018. By 2020 through the efforts of his ministry, Guyana would not have to import Corn nor Soya according to Minister Ramsammy. The minister proceeded to inform the gathering that his
ministry is currently working with farmers of Black Eye Peas with the hope
of replacing its high importation level with local production.
Additionally, also addressing the gathering was the president of the Berbice
Chambers and Commerce and Development Association, Mr. Mark Roopnarine. Mr. Roopnarine praised the efforts of the Agriculture Ministry and
GMC for organizing and implementing this important initiative and expressed commitments by his association to provide its fullest support in
getting more supermarkets on board. Mr. Roopnarine also encouraged
processors to diversify their production stating that more could be done
with the extensive variety of produce readily available in Guyana.
This launching also featured a mini display made by several local processors who attended the event and distributed samples of their products to all
interested. Presently officers at GMC are communicating with supermarkets around the country in an effort to extend the reach of local agro processors who come on board with this national initiative.
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
GMC Continues to Support Linden Expo
A complimentary number of exhibitors participated in this year’s edition
of Linden Expo, Linden’s signature trade and investment exposition.
This annual event was staged by the Linden Chambers of Industry, Commerce and Development from May 1st - 3rd at the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition Centre, under the theme ‘Promoting job Creation Through Micro
Enterprise Development.’ This year participating companies ranged
from agro processing, wholesale, business development, distribution,
manufacturing, financial, tourism and educational services, arts and
craft, among others. These companies took part in the three day event
which attracted a large number of visitors including foreigners.
The Guyana Marketing Corporation remains steadfast in its support of
this auspicious event by its annual participation. This year GMC erected
an eye
dropping
agro
processing display that
was
complimented
by
selected fresh fruits and vegetables namely cassava, plantain, pineapple, peppers and
coconuts. This display further showcased the numerous agro processed products
emerging from the fresh produce displayed. GMC’s presentation more importantly
encouraged farmers in the mining town to add value to the crops predominantly
grown in that area. Attendants at this year’s Expo had a first hand opportunity to
witness the extensive variety of products created when value is added to the produce on display.
Marketing Officers were on hand throughout the event providing information to all
and sundry. This information include the criteria required for having products
shelved in the Guyana Shop, contacts of suppliers of various packaging materials,
export requirements for fresh fruits, vegetables and value added products, label
requirements,
etc.
Interested
persons
were also briefed on
the extensive list of
services offered to
local farmers and
agro processors by
GMC.
Additionally, local
flour
company
NAMILCO collaborated with GMC in
this years staging of
Linden Expo. The
local flour giants used this opportunity to showcase their line of products all available on the shelves of the Guyana Shop. The drove of people who visited the
GMC booth during this event were presented with various samples of food made
from products sold by NAMILCO. These included Pholourie, Porridge Mix, and
much more. Con’t on pg. 4
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
GMC Continues to Support Linden Expo
While scores of persons from across Guyana and further afield arrived in Linden
to witness all Linden had to offer in terms of handicraft, furniture, garments,
jewelry and horticulture, pharmaceuticals,
tourism, information
technology and agro
processing;
Linden
Expo was definitely
the place to be.
This premier exposition and trade fair
offers business associates in and around
Linden the opportunity
to meet, network and
negotiate with larger
more established companies and establishments from Georgetown and further afield , while simultaneously
showcasing their skills, talents and creative works.
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
Guyana Shop Participates In Second
Annual International Food & Drinks Festival
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and
Commerce has teamed
up once again with the
Guyana Karate College in making this
years Easter weekend
an exciting and memorable one for Guyanese
at large along with
tourists and visitors
alike, with the hosting
of the second Annual
International Food and
Drink Festival. The
largest epicurean event
in Guyana, at the Everest Cricket Club Ground on April 19th, 2014 (Easter Saturday). This
year’s festival proved more delightful and successful than the first
staging with the addition of even more chefs resulting in more great
food from a larger range of countries. Building on its popularity gained
from the initial staging of the event, organizers added an even more
amazing variety of beverages. Throughout the festival rare, hard to
find, exotic
beverages
from
all
over
the
world were
on hand,
ranging
from
Banks,
Carib and
Stag beer
from Guyana, Trinidad
the
Caribbean
and Latin
America,
but most of
them were
from
Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The Guyana Marketing Corporation by way of its Guyana Shop once
again participated in this grand event. A large quantity of locally manufactured products, available at the Guyana Shop, were sold throughout
the festival. This not only builds awareness of what’s manufactured
locally but it also provided the opportunity for
micro processors’ to
reach a market not before
accessible. Collaborating
with GMC for this event
was UMAMI Inc., a relatively new agro processing company that burst
unto the scene here in
Guyana. The extensive
range under the brand
portfolio of UMAMI Inc.
provides customers the
added benefit of knowing
they can obtain most of
their culinary ingredients
under a single brand name they can trust. All interested visitors to the
Guyana Shop booth at the festival were treated to samples of foods
created from UMAMI Inc. products or foods enhanced by these very
products.
Organizers
of
this year’s edition of the International
Food
and Drink Festival were successful in creating the authenticity of the Guyanese experience
of food and culture and blending that with a
dynamic
sampling of culinary
creations from
around
the
world. The ultimate blend of
savoring
fine
cuisine and spirits, meeting new
people and enjoying live diverse on stage entertainment was created. This is all a
part of an effort by the Ministry of Tourism to make Guyana a premier
destination for good food, high quality agro processed products, superior rum, beer and other beverages with excellent entertainment.
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
Agro Processors Forum staged to
Propel Industry to 2020 and Beyond
This inaugural forum was complimented by an exhibition of local high quality agro processed products. In excess of 25 local agro processing companies showcased their respective product lines and
attendants had the chance to taste and sample a lot of the products on display. Some of the companies
who participated in this showcase included Taste Setters, Tandy’s Manufacturing, Ace Food Products,
Mohamed's Manufacturing Enterprise, Surya Delight, Prestige Manufacturing, Jets Enterprise, Original Juice Centre, Savory Products, Phoenix Enterprise and many more. In addition to the agro processors, suppliers of various packaging and printed materials used in the local agro processed industry
also used the exhibition to showcase their products. These included Packaging Concepts Inc. supplying
plastic bags, seals, net bags, etc, Wieting & Richter Limited supplying a variety of plastic bottles and
caps, Global Packaging Inc & Global Printing & Graphics Inc providing labels and printed materials,
posters, brochures, catalogues, just to name a few. This exhibition not only allowed participants to
build awareness of their respective products but it also encouraged interaction among stakeholders.
Delivering the feature address was Minister within the Agriculture Ministry; Honourable Mr. Ali
Baksh reiterated the call for agro processors to be more creative and come up with new innovative
ideas to reduce wastage of produce. The minister encouraged local agro processors to collaborate more
in order to achieve higher standards in not
only processing but production as well. Minister Baksh went on to site the considerable
longer-term benefit created by the forum to
those micro producers in the sector present at
the event, some of whom would probably
never have experienced that level of exposure before.
Mr. Ramanand Prashad; president of the
Guyana Agro Processor’s Association during
his presentation highlighted some of the
challenges faced by the agro processing industry and some possible suggestions on
ways to improve.
Moreover, interactive presentations were
made by several key stakeholder organizations within the agro processing industry. These included
‘Guyana Marketing Corporation’s Role in Shaping the Future of Agro-processing in Guyana’ done
by Ms. Ida Sealey-Adams; Agriculture Business Development Officer at GMC. The role of GMC in
relation to agro processors, current activities being conducted and what GMC plans to do in the future
for agro processors, were some of the areas that were discussed in this informative presentation.
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
Agro Processors Forum staged to
Propel Industry to 2020 and Beyond
Another key presentation was the “Status Report on Capacity Building for Improving Market
Access for Small Producers and Agro Processors” presented by Dr. Maxine Parris-Aaron, Agricultural Health and Food Safety Specialist of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture IICA. The challenges faced by agro processors were outlined and the interventions
made by IICA to aid in overcoming some of the challenges outlined were detailed by Dr. ParrisAaron.
The ‘Financial Opportunities Available and Accessible to Agro Processors’ presentation presented by Mr. Leroy Adonis, Junior Manager of GBTI, on behalf of the Guyana Association of
Bankers was one of the most interactive presentations of the forum. Additionally, Ms. Christine
Samaroo, Research and Marketing Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Ministry of Tourism,
Industry and Commerce also addressed the issue of accessing finance. Ms. Samaroo presentation’s was centered on ‘SBB Support to Micro and Small Enterprises’.
Ms. Candelle Walcott- Bostwick; Head
Conformity Assessment Department of
the Guyana National Bureau of Standards
made a presentation entitled; ‘Conformity
to Standards- A prerequisite for Sustainability.’ The benefits of standardization,
applicable standards for agro processors
and the role of the GNBS in facilitating
competitiveness of the local businesses
were the main features of Ms. WalcottBostwick presentation. Ms. Jewel Sears; Deputy Director of the Government Analyst-Food &
Drug Department made a presentation captioned ‘Compliance with Food Safety Requirements
for Local and International Markets and the Services offered in relation to Agro-processing.’
A presentation on ‘Fairtrade Opportunties‘ was done by Ms. Munirih Schanzenbaecher; Liaison
Officer- PSR Consultant of Fairtrade International. Some benefits of Fairtrade and potential
Fairtrade products in Guyana were some of the focused areas of this presenattion.
The final presentation for the forum was done by Mr. Deonarine Jagdeo, Deputy Director
(Technical) of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST). This presentation was
entitled ‘The Utilization and Development of Waste from the Agro Processing Industry to High
-Value Commodities’ and was based on the notion ‘From waste to wealth.’ The call was made
for agro processors and the private sector to collaborate so as to transform the research ideas developed by the institute to business ideas.
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
CXC Launches Agriculture Science as new
CAPE Subject in Guyana
Starting this September, five new subjects termed the
“New Generation”
subjects will be introduced to the Caribbean
Advanced
Proficiency Examination CAPE syllabus now bringing the
total number of subjects
offered
at
CAPE to 30. Each subject was formally launched in the CARICOM country best recognized in that area. As such, Tourism was
launched in Barbados; Entrepreneurship in Trinidad and Tobago;
Performing Arts in St Lucia; and Physical Education and Sport in Jamaica.
Guyana joined the rest of the Caribbean on May 12th, 2014 in hosting the launch of the ‘New Generation’ of CAPE subject Agriculture Science at
the Theatre Guild on Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Agriculture Science will comprise two units in the syllabus. The first dealing with the
fundamentals for agriculture and crop production; and the second dealing with animal production and the environment. Guyana has been winning
the Agricultural Science subject award every year since 2008 and it was only appropriate that Guyana offer Agricultural Science at CAPE.
The Guyana Marketing Corporation collaborated with the National Agriculture Research & Extension Institute NAREI to setup a sprawling fresh
produce display that was complimented by a wide selection of local agro
processed products. Attendants at this launching were greeted by this display which highlighted quite a few succulent crops produced in Guyana as
well as a wide cross section of high quality local value added products.
Present at this timely launching was Minister of Agriculture; Hon. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy who during the feature address lamented on the food import
bill of the Region for items which can be grown locally. He cited tomatoes,
carrots, beet, garlic, onions and potatoes which can be grown at home but
are still being imported. The Minister further urged that Guyana could
show countries outside of CARICOM that our local food production is
even better than theirs.
Also addressing the gathering was Minister of Education; Hon. Priya Manickchand who pointed out that each of the other subjects could have justifiably been launched in Guyana because of what has been done in the country. Minister Manickchand went on to state that attention must be paid
to changing times to meet the needs of the Caribbean today, and those which would develop in the future.
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
GAPA & Its Contribution
to Agriculture in Guyana
The Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association known by its acronym GAPA is a non–
governmental and non– profit entity. GAPA has been in existence since 1974 serving the
farming communities. It was re– established in 2008 to better serve and provide for the non–
traditional agricultural farmers within Guyana including the Hinterlands areas through the
Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
GAPA has affiliation with the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies such as the National
Agriculture Research & Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana Marketing Corporation
(GMC), Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Project (READ), Agricultural Diversification Project (ADP) within the Agriculture Ministry and other private sector agencies. With the re-establishment of GAPA, it is poised to advance the non– traditional agricultural farming sector including small scale producers. The sector remains one of the pillars
that ensure food security in the Caribbean. This organization places significant emphasis in
the areas of productivity, management, research, training and marketing information. GAPA plays a pivotal role in the alleviation of poverty with
assistance from various ongoing projects. GAPA will be working on projects from READ, IDB, FAO, and IICA, just to name a few.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The GAPA Secretariat is located at
To promote and assist in every way the development of agriculture in Guyana.
To organize farmers for united action to develop their particular industry.
To coordinate the efforts of farmers for the purpose of promoting their common interest.
18 Brickdam, Georgetown
Tel / Fax 227—1934
Email: guyanagapa12@gmail.com
To render service to farmers which will advance their social and economic conditions.
To participate and assist in formulating and promoting policies to meet existing and new challenges and changing economic conditions.
To negotiate with Government, its agencies and other bodies for the development of policies and programs designed to further agricultural
development.
To make representations on behalf of farmers to employees, landlords, Regional Councils, RDCs, Government, donors and other.
To take common action on any and all matters of interest and benefit to farmers.
To keep the farming community and general public informed on the state of the industry, its importance to the economy and its potential for
the development of the economy.
To administer funds provided through its own efforts, Government or donor programs to assist farmers for the development of agriculture.
• To establish and maintain appropriate affiliations with groups or organizations that are
pertinent to the objectives described herein.
MEMBERSHIP
The membership drive has started and to date there are over 450 registered members on our
database. All non– traditional farmers and rice farmers who also are cash crop farmers are entitled to be members of GAPA
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
GAPA is managed by a General Council consisting of a President, Vice President, General Secretary, Assistant Secretary– Treasurer and an Organizing Secretary, together with 16 members
all elected by a secret ballot at the General Meeting. The General Council has selected three (3)
Trustees and also has approved a trust deed which is registered at the Deeds Registry of the High
Court. The secretariat is currently manned on a day to day basis by a National Coordinator.
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Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
NAME:
Mrs. Shanaza Ally Khan
NAME:
Mr. Cleland Kingston
NAME:
Ms. Celestine Butters
DESIGNATION:
Marketing Officer
DESIGNATION:
Guyana Shop Cashier
DESIGNATION:
Packaging Facilities Manager
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________
____________________________________________________
TELEPHONE:
592-227-1630
EXT 213
Cell
592– 652-6740
_________________________________________________________
EMAIL:
sally@newgmc.com
_____________________________________
YEARS OF SERVICE:
2007 — Current
TELEPHONE:
592-227-2006
Ext 209
______________________
Cell
592– 666-7632
___________________________________
YEARS OF SERVICE:
2012 — Current
TELEPHONE:
592-219-0085
Cell
592– 600-0541
_________________________________________________
EMAIL:
cbutters@newgmc.com
_________________________________
YEARS OF SERVICE:
1977— Current
COMMITTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRI BUSINESS IN GUYANA
10
Volume 4, Issue 2
AVERAGE
June, 2014
RETAIL PRICES OF PRODUCE FOR MARCH,
2014 AT THE MAIN URBAN MARKETS
APRIL & MAY
11
Volume 4, Issue 2
June, 2014
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Guyana Marketing Corporation
87 Robb & Alexander Streets,
Lacytown, Georgetown,
Guyana.
Tel. No: 592-226–8255
592-226-2219
592-226-9599
592-227-1630
592-225-7808
Email: newgmc@networksgy.com
Guyana Shop
Tel.592-227-2006
We’re on the Web at
www.newgmc.com
www.agriculture.gov.gy
Check us out on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/Guyanashop
Compiled by: Mr. Hadoc Thompson
Edited by: Mr. Nizam Hassan
Mrs. Ida Sealey-Adams
Contributing Group:
Marketing Information System Team of
Guyana Marketing Corporation
12