In a significant trilateral agreement, Brazil has expanded its agricultural cooperation to include Suriname in combating Cassave Witches’ Broom Disease, a devastating crop infection that causes substantial yield reductions in cassava production. While the disease hasn’t yet been detected in Surinamese territory, the preventive measures represent a strategic regional initiative that also includes French Guiana.
The collaborative framework, formalized earlier this month, establishes cross-border monitoring systems, technology transfer protocols, and specialized training programs. Surinamese Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Mike Noersalim expressed particular satisfaction with Brazil’s support, noting that the partnership extends beyond disease control to broader agricultural development.
The agreement emerged from bilateral meetings between Noersalim and agricultural ministers from Chile, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago. These discussions resulted in market access expansions and enhanced trade relationships between Brazil and participating nations. Technical cooperation agreements and technology exchange mechanisms featured prominently in the negotiations.
Suriname has specifically requested Brazilian assistance in developing rice varieties suitable for both dryland and irrigated conditions. “Brazil represents an agricultural powerhouse with extensive research capabilities in crop and livestock development,” Minister Noersalim stated. “We seek collaboration to advance our agricultural sector and reduce import dependency.”
Additional outcomes include increased Brazilian meat exports to Suriname and a formalized technical cooperation agreement targeting the eradication of carambola fruit flies. Brazilian Minister Carlos Fávaro confirmed his country’s readiness to “discuss agricultural development with focus on sugarcane, rice, and coconut production, including provision of genetic materials to strengthen both technical and commercial cooperation between our nations.”
These developments coincided with the 2025 Conference of Agriculture Ministers of the Americas, organized by the Inter-American Council for Agriculture—the highest governing body of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). During the conference, Guyana’s Muhammad Ibrahim was elected as IICA’s new Director-General for 2026-2030, receiving 24 of 32 votes including Suriname’s endorsement.