GNBS supporting quality & growth in Guyana’s agro-processing sector

Oct 18, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Guyana’s agro-processing sector continues to play an important role in agricultural diversification, entrepreneurship and food security. From pepper sauces, jams and fruit juices to packaged spices, cassava, and other locally manufactured products, this sector offers numerous opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to expand their operations and access new markets. Notwithstanding, producing quality agro-processed products requires adherence to established standards that promote product safety, consistency and consumer confidence.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), through its mandate to develop, adopt and promote standards, supports agro-processors desirous of improving their product quality and business competitiveness. The Bureau has standards relevant to several agro-processed products, including jams and jellies, coconut oil, cassava bread, fruit and vegetable juices, spices and sauces. These standards provide guidance on the quality of raw materials, processing, packaging, labelling and other requirements that help manufacturers maintain consistency and meet consumer expectations.

Food safety is particularly important in agro-processing, as improper handling, contamination and unsuitable storage conditions can compromise products. Several available national standards cover crucial aspects of food safety, including GCP 21 – Code of Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, GCP 25 – Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, and GYS 494 – Specification for Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Drinks and Fruit Nectars.

Additionally, GNBS can provide food safety training courses to agro-processors, farmers and other stakeholders to guide the production of wholesome food. These courses include Good Manufacturing Practices and food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). These courses will help businesses identify and control potential food safety hazards, maintain hygienic production environments and improve their overall operations.

Meanwhile, proper packaging and labelling are equally important for agro-processed products. Businesses can take advantage of the national standard GYS 9-2:2017 – Labelling of Goods – Part 2: Specific requirements for prepackaged goods available at the GNBS. It specifies requirements for the information to be included on labels of pre-packaged goods for sale, the method of display of such information, and where necessary, the wording and units of measurement to be used. Accurate labelling helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions while improving product presentation, marketability and use.

Beyond product standards, the GNBS supports local manufacturers by certifying their products. The Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme, which recognises qualified local manufacturers, has provided tremendous opportunities for MSMEs, including several agro-processors. Apart from certification, the Bureau works with businesses through its Technical Assistance programme to improve and document their processes to achieve quality.

By improving product consistency, safety and packaging with standards, agro-processors can strengthen their competitiveness and position their businesses better to meet the requirements of existing and potential customers. Conformance with standards and compliance with the requirements of local and overseas markets can strengthen business competitiveness.

GNBS encourages agro-processors to embrace its services and available standards to increase their readiness to capitalize on opportunities within Guyana’s growing agriculture, manufacturing and tourism sectors.

For further information on agro-processing and other standards and services, contact GNBS on 219-0064-66, WhatsApp 692-4627, visit GNBS Website:www.gnbsgy.com or the Standards Portal: gnbsguy.com.

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agro-processing, food safety, GNBS, Good Manufacturing Practices

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