AGRICULTURe

While relatively small, agribusiness exports are an important contributor to Suriname’s economy and a means by which the country can diversify.

A number of commodities, for example; rice, bananas, fish and shrimp, are already being shipped to global markets in Europe, the US and the Caribbean.

International agreements offer duty-free and quota-free access to huge markets.

EU-CARIFORUM EPA: +500M consumers.

CARICOM: +15M consumers and tourists.

Farming in Suriname has been in decline for decades; suffering from limited access to funding and support, outdated artisanal practices and employment dominated by the service industry.

Suriname has an abundance of land and water available for agriculture. Naturally fertile soils and plentiful rainfall offer favourable growing conditions suitable for numerous products.

The National Master Plan recognises the development of agricultural as a significant contributor to employment, social-economic development, foreign exchange reserves and sustained long-term GDP growth.

Key success factors for private enterprises positioned to develop Suriname's agricultural potential, include:

• Focus on agricultural commodities that are competitive in export markets
• Access to good seeds and plant material, or development of a proprietary seedling nursery
• Efficient approach; reducing costs through training, agronomic best practice and technical innovation
• Project execution capabilities and professional organisational development
• Sustainability development (positive contribution to society).