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Local agro-exporters forming partnerships in CARICOM

May 13, 2018 News

 

Guyana’s ‘food secure’ status is not just a title but a brand that is becoming increasingly popular in CARICOM and further afield. Local agro-exporters are rightfully taking advantage of this high brand equity driven by a productive other crops sector, supported by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).
The abundant supply of quality fresh fruits and vegetables has allowed local agro-exporters to secure, supply and maintain external markets. One such exporter is Wyette Amsterdam, President of the recently resuscitated Agricultural Non-Traditional Exporters Association. On Wednesday, the association held its first meeting for executive members.
Amsterdam, who is enthusiastic about his current business engagements, emphasized the importance of this body. Interestingly, while the name of the association projects its target members as exporters membership includes farmers.
He explained that farmers have a crucial role to play in the export market since they are responsible for the timely production of quality crops.
According to Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, the resuscitation of this association is a welcome development. It will ensure that market demands are satisfied and provide the necessary bargaining power to members.
He stated that fresh produce is exported to Barbados, Antigua and the St. Kitts & Nevis. These are from farms certified by NAREI. Furthermore, the Institute certifies all commodities exported to ensure that they meet the requisite standard for export.
Amsterdam knows too well the importance of meeting the demands of clients with quality produce. He has been involved in the agricultural sector for over 20 years. That timeline is chequered with good and bad experiences that resulted in profits and losses respectively. The losses resulted in him taking time off from exporting and venturing into mining.
However, in November 2017, Amsterdam was approached by the Guyana Marketing Corporation to partner with a company in the St. Kitts. Even though, the Agricultural Non-Traditional Exporters Association was dormant at the time his number was in a database maintained by the agency.
“After the hurricane destroyed many Caribbean Islands last year, farming operations in those parts were decimated. This resulted in the instant demand for food. Thankfully, Guyana was not affected and we could have responded to that need,” the exporter said.
Getting back into the agro-export business was not difficult for Amsterdam, especially since his counterparts in St. Kitts have proven to be reliable. They are looking to establish partnerships with other Caribbean Islands. This would mean that Amsterdam would be busier than usual negotiating with farmers for quality produce at affordable prices. The interactions, bargaining and quest to the find the right produce have captivated Amsterdam once more.
“Recently, I needed 20,000 seedless limes to supply my client and it was a challenge I enjoyed…trying to find the limes with the right size and a farmer who had the amount was what I enjoyed. I did succeed; that transaction resulted in me meeting new farmers on the highway and in Canal Polder,” he said.
Though he is cognizant of the various mishaps that could occur the exporter is more confident about his venture this time around. In fact, he is ready to get into farming himself to tap into the growing demand for various crops.

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