Suriname boosts its pineapple sector with contract farming model

In a strategic move to transform its pineapple sector, Suriname is introducing contract farming through a sustainable value chain development project. The initiative is part of FAO-UNIDO Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator Programme (ASTA) – an innovative collaboration between FAO and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) aimed at tackling development challenges, fostering partnerships and mobilizing public and private investments in agrifood sectors in developing countries.

With the support of the Government of Suriname, the ASTA project has established the Horticulture Innovation Hub, a not-for-profit foundation designed to serve as a catalyst in the country’s horticultural value chains, particularly by supporting smallholder farmers.

Among its key interventions, the Hub plans to bulk procure agricultural inputs such as those imported from Costa Rica on behalf of farmers who cannot access them individually and purchase organic pineapples from indigenous farmers through formal agreements, ensuring fair and reliable market access.

As part of these value chain upgrading efforts, contract farming has emerged as one of the most promising business models recommended by ASTA’s implementation team. This approach establishes and strengthens market linkages between smallholder producers, especially indigenous communities, and buyers, while improving their access to finance, inputs, technology and technical support. Such measures are critical for enhancing productivity and competitiveness in Suriname’s agrifood sector.

As a small island developing country, Suriname faces persistent challenges such as malnutrition, poverty and unemployment. The programme’s overarching goals include:

• increasing incomes and improving livelihoods for youth, women and marginalized groups,
• enhancing food security and nutrition, and
• promoting a sustainable and decent standard of living for all actors in the agrifood value chain.

“Establishing market linkages between small-scale producers and buyers, improving producers’ access to finance, inputs and technology, ensuring quality, consistency and compliance with market requirements are all essential to transforming Suriname’s pineapple sector. Transitioning from traditional growing practices with little value addition to the production of high-quality organic and processed pineapple products is a key objective.” said Ms. Margherita Bavanoli, International Value Chain Finance Expert, from the Food Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) at FAO.

She further explained that upgrading cultivation practices through sustainable and organic farming principles, while prioritizing gender equality and employment, can position Suriname as a competitive and important producer and exporter of high-quality fresh and processed pineapples, contributing to socio-economic development in the country’s rural areas.