Guyana has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse in food production, achieving a milestone that sets it apart from every other nation. According to a landmark 2025 study, Guyana is now the only country in the world capable of fully feeding its population using only domestically produced food, meeting all nutritional needs across the seven essential food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, plant-based protein, and starchy staples.
Unmatched Food Self-Sufficiency
This achievement is the result of both natural advantages and strategic, sustained government investment. With fertile soils, abundant freshwater resources, and a climate ideal for year-round farming, Guyana has long possessed the raw potential for agricultural success. However, it is the country’s targeted policies—such as the National Agriculture Investment Plan launched in 2009, aggressive support for mechanization, crop diversification, and farmer training—that have transformed potential into reality.
Guyana’s agricultural output is now robust and diverse:
- Over 600,000 metric tons of rice produced annually
- Aquaculture yields increased by 150% in the past decade
- Net exporter of fruits (mangoes, pineapples, citrus) and root vegetables (cassava, sweet potato)
- Significant growth in dairy farming, supported by modernized cold chains and rural milk collection hubs
Government Investment and Policy
The government has dramatically increased its investment in agriculture, with budget allocations surging by nearly 470% since 2020. In 2025 alone, GY$430.9 million was earmarked for the rice sector, and major projects have expanded seed production, livestock, and fisheries. The Broiler Breeder Project, for example, has yielded 167,000 hatching eggs and supported thousands of farmers, while aquaculture stations and upgraded fisheries landing sites have further boosted output.
Guyana is also on track to achieve full self-sufficiency in livestock feed production by the end of 2025, thanks to large-scale cultivation of corn and soya. This initiative is expected to eliminate the need for US$40 million in annual feed imports, redirecting those funds to further grow the national economy.
Regional and Global Impact
Guyana’s progress has positioned it as the “breadbasket†of the Caribbean, leading the CARICOM “Vision 25 by 2025†initiative to reduce the region’s food import bill. The country’s agricultural sector now contributes over 23% to its non-oil GDP, and its model of food security is drawing international attention as nations grapple with supply chain disruptions and climate challenges.
Looking Ahead
With continued investment, innovation, and a focus on sustainability, Guyana is not only feeding its own population but also setting a global example for food security and agricultural resilience. As the only country to achieve complete food self-sufficiency, Guyana’s leadership in food production is expected to grow even stronger in the years ahead.
