FAO/GCAF Highlights Climate-Smart Agriculture and Regional Collaboration at Suriname’s Agricultural Fair 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the Gender-responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (GCAF) project funded by the Government of Canada, participated in the Agricultural Fair 2026, held from 1 to 3 May 2026 at the KKF hall in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The Agricultural Fair, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV), focused on the accelerated development of the agricultural sector and brought together more than 200 exhibitors, including farmers, agripreneurs, private sector and institutions. The fair was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Suriname, H.E. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons.

The FAO/GCAF booth promoted climate-smart agriculture; practical production systems such as hydroponics; digital tools including agricultural sensors; and capacity development opportunities for farmers and agripreneurs. There was strong interest in practical and accessible solutions to improve agricultural production. More than 100 people, including youth and women, registered their interest in future training programmes and related activities.

The booth also received visits from key stakeholders, including Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries of Suriname Mike Noersalim, who noted the relevance of climate-smart technologies, including hydroponics and digital sensors, and their potential contribution to the further development of the sector.

Barbados Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security Shantal Munro-Knight also attended the fair, highlighting the potential for regional collaboration, knowledge exchange and market opportunities between Suriname and the rest of the Caribbean. Minister Munro-Knight’s interest in agro-processing, hydroponic production systems and honey products aligns with GCAF’s focus in Suriname, which supports climate-smart vegetable production under protected systems, and apiculture.

About GCAF

The Gender-responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (GCAF) project is a four-year regional initiative funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by FAO in the Caribbean. The project contributes to strengthening agricultural value chains, improving access to knowledge and technologies, and creating opportunities for youth and women to participate in the development of the sector.

It supports eight countries, including Suriname, to strengthen climate resilience, promote gender equality and enhance agricultural value chains through inclusive governance, capacity development and practical innovations.