NAMILCO, gov’t discussing cassava flour production, to invest GY$10 billion

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 23:15 by Writer

The American-owned National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) on Tuesday said discussions were underway with the Guyana government on the production of cassava flour, even as the company announced the construction of a GY$10 billion processing mill and other facilities to boost its wheaten flour output for local and overseas markets.

“In addition to this expansion, NAMILCO is actively engaging with the Government of Guyana to explore opportunities for the commercialization of local cassava flour production. This initiative aims to diversify Guyana’s flour offerings, promote agricultural innovation, and further strengthen the country’s self-sufficiency in food production,” NAMILCO said in a statement.

The Ministry of Agriculture earlier this year said Guyana’s cassava yield has significantly increased from 18 to 30 tonnes per hectare in 2024.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has long recommended cassava flour as a means of food security. A number of bakeries in the Caribbean had embarked on an initiative to blend wheaten and cassava flours. The University of Guyana and Banks DIH had collaborated in baking bread with 25 percent less wheaten flour. 

NAMILCO said the GY$10 billion would be spent on the construction of a new state-of-the-art processing mill, expanded wheat storage facilities, and an enhanced wharf to support both domestic and growing export demand. The project reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to advancing Guyana’s agri-industrial development and supporting regional food security initiatives, the company said.

Construction on the new facilities is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with commissioning targeted for 2027.

“This expansion represents more than an investment in infrastructure, it’s an investment in people, skills, and the sustainable future of Guyana’s food industry,” said Mr Jack Bresky, Chief Executive Officer & President of Seaboard Overseas Trading Group. “We are proud to partner with the Government of Guyana as we align with President Ali’s vision for regional food security and increased value-added production,” he was also quoted as saying in a statement.

NAMILCO added that the new processing mill is expected to boost local production capabilities, and create significant employment opportunities across technical, operational, and logistical sectors.

The project will also incorporate modern technologies and training programs to develop local expertise in advanced milling operations, the company said.

Further demonstrating its long-term confidence in the Guyanese economy, Seaboard said it would also be conducting due diligence related to the potential entry into integrated pork production and processing, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution opportunities. “These exploratory initiatives underscore the company’s holistic approach to value-chain development across food production and energy infrastructure — two key enablers of sustainable national growth.”

This announcement follows the successful commissioning of NAMILCO’s Mixing Plant in 2023, inaugurated by President Irfaan Ali. That facility marked a major step toward value-added food production in Guyana and laid the foundation for today’s investment.

“Our continued investment demonstrates our strong belief in Guyana’s economic potential and our commitment to contributing to its long-term industrial growth,” added Mr Bresky. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient food system for the Caribbean and beyond.”

Seaboard Corporation is a Fortune 500 diversified global agribusiness and transportation company headquartered in Merriam, Kansas, USA. With operations across more than 40 countries, Seaboard’s businesses span flour milling, commodity trading, and food processing through its Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group, vertically integrated pork production and processing via Seaboard Foods, and international shipping and logistics through Seaboard Marine. For over a century, the company has built a reputation for driving sustainable growth and food security through innovation, efficiency, and partnership across the global supply chain.