Guyana has launched a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub in partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in a move aimed at strengthening regional food security and agricultural innovation.

The initiative seeks to accelerate the development and scaling of agricultural technologies, expand scientific and technical capacity, and introduce innovations tailored to tropical farming conditions across the Caribbean.

Speaking at the launch, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said the hub reflects a shared commitment to science-led transformation of the sector and improved food security. He said cooperation with EMBRAPA, which operates more than 40 research centres and employs thousands of scientists, will help transfer advanced expertise to Guyana and the wider region.

IICA Director General Muhammad Ibrahim said the facility will support agricultural innovation, build resilience, and contribute to the transformation of agrifood systems in the Caribbean. He said it also aligns with regional efforts to modernise agriculture and increase participation by youth and women.

Once operational, the STI Hub is expected to function as a platform for South-South cooperation in tropical agriculture, supporting technological modernisation and improving the resilience and competitiveness of regional agrifood systems.