In a groundbreaking global achievement, Guyana has become the world’s only fully food-self-sufficient country as of 2025, according to a detailed study published in Nature Food journal. The study assessed 186 countries on their ability to produce seven essential food groups without relying on imports—and only Guyana met all the criteria.
This remarkable milestone positions the South American nation as a global leader in food security, agricultural resilience, and sustainable farming.
Guyana’s Unmatched Agricultural Achievement
The study measured national food self-sufficiency across seven key categories: fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, cereals and grains, pulses and legumes, and oils and fats. Guyana is the only country capable of meeting 100% of its population’s nutritional needs across all categories using only locally produced food.
Guyana’s agricultural ecosystem thrives on rice and sugarcane cultivation, robust fruit and vegetable farming (bananas, citrus, and root vegetables), a growing livestock and dairy sector, and abundant fish from both inland and marine sources. Its tropical climate allows for two growing seasons annually, enhancing its food production capacity.
Government Support and Policy Integration
Guyana’s success is largely credited to strong government support and investment in agriculture. During a recent visit to Cane Grove farmers, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha emphasized that the country’s food independence was driven by deliberate policies and a strategic focus on agriculture.
In 2025 alone, the government allocated over $104 billion to support crop production, livestock, aquaculture, and agro-processing. These efforts are guided by policies that align food systems with sustainability, public health, and climate resilience.
Regional Leadership and Future Goals
Guyana also leads the CARICOM “25 by 2025” initiative, which aims to reduce food imports across the Caribbean by 25%. Despite facing climate-related threats, the country continues to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation and diversification, ensuring long-term food sovereignty.
