Since its creation in 1996, EPFA Guyana has carried out development projects on approximately 7,000 hectares as part of its mandate for sustainable agricultural development. However, the creation of SAFER in 2021, with a specific mandate for agricultural development, made it necessary to adjust the missions between the two entities. The signed agreement defines the terms of collaboration and the governance framework to ensure a harmonious transition until 2026, at the end of the EPFAG Strategic Development Program (PSD).
During this transition period, SAFER will be gradually integrated into current agricultural development projects, also benefiting from European FEADER funding for its projects. The EPFA will continue to directly manage the projects, while the SAFER will gradually intervene in taking charge of feasibility studies, financing requests, as well as in the allocation and management of land, with the aim of preparing to become the reference entity for agricultural developments by 2027.
A common objective: continuity in the allocation of agricultural land
The two organizations wish to guarantee the continuity of agricultural projects without interruption for those involved in the sector. SAFER will thus be involved in each stage of the current projects managed by EPFAG, in order to take over smoothly at the end of the transitional period. From 2027, SAFER will officially be the contracting authority for agricultural developments, and EPFAG will only intervene to carry out occasional work under mandate or delegation for SAFER.
EPFAG, a historic player in agricultural development in Guyana
The first agricultural development structure in Guyana, the EPFA has so far supported communities in making land available for new agricultural sectors, contributing to local economic development and the sustainable management of land resources. Through this collaboration, EPFA and SAFER intend to strengthen their efforts for sustainable agriculture, capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly expanding territory.
Damien CHAILLOT
