Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture being reviewed- President Granger

The government is reviewing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), commonly referred to as the Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture, with the aim of diversifying it. This was disclosed by President David Granger during his weekly programme ‘Public Interest’.

The Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture is a strategy seeking to remove constraints to the development of agriculture in the Caribbean. It builds upon past regional efforts to develop a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and identifies ten key binding constraints faced by the sector.

President David Granger says the Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture or the Caricom Common Agriculture Policy is currently under review to ensure there is greater use of Guyana’s Savannahs.

“We are looking to see greater use of use of Guyana’s land resources…I think you all know that at present a Barbadian company has invested very heavily in the Rupununi and we looking at Chinese investments in agriculture. So the agriculture landscape is going to be transformed in coming years. The important thing is that Guyana can produce much more food which could be processed and marketed in the Eastern Caribbean” the Head of State explained.

The scope of the initiative that came into force in 2009, aims to define and implement Interventions to address Key Binding Constraints within the context of the Community Agricultural Policy; Existing and planned complementary initiatives undertaken by national, regional and international organizations; Emphasis on non-traditional products, value-added and intensification of diversification and practical programmes with achievable targets.

The President was at the time speaking to journalists on Guyana’s agenda for the upcoming Caricom Heads of Government meeting where he pointed out that the initiative is being reviewed, but not at the meeting.

The 37^th Regular meeting of the Caricom Heads of Government will be hosted at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana from July 4 to 6.

On the Caricom Heads’ Agenda this year are issues relating to Security, the CSME and Sustainable energy sources do.

“We have had some threats, the fact that Trinidad in particular, Guyana also face some threats of terrorism, these are likely to feature on the agenda. Equally…we are looking at sustainable energy sources” he said.