Under the Green Farms Initiative, a greenhouse covering three acres at Plympton Farms was officially commissioned on November 24 at Dora along the Linden Highway and the project aims to cut food imports for offshore oil platforms to 5% of total needs.
A release yesterday from Sagacity Inc said that the Green Farms Initiative is a tripartite agreement between SBM Offshore Guyana – the builder of offshore oil platforms – Plympton Farms and a local catering company, Newrest Guyana, under which SBM Offshore Guyana provided financial and advisory support for the construction of a greenhouse based on Plympton’s proprietary design employing cutting-edge technology and a sustainable hydroponics system.
The release said that the project aims to reduce imported produce used onboard the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating offshore Guyana and SBM Offshore Guyana’s onshore offices through the provision of healthy and nutritious meals provided by Newrest Guyana. The produce cultivated on the farm include broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, cauliflower and chilli peppers, among others. Prior to the project, the release said that 85 per cent of the produce used on board the FPSOs were supplied by local farmers while 15 per cent was imported. Through this collaboration, the import quantity was cut to 10 per cent, with the objective of further reducing that to five per cent.
During his remarks, SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Martin Cheong reinforced the company’s support for local content, saying, “By partnering with local suppliers and businesses, we create a robust supply chain that stimulates economic growth. This collaboration ensures that resources are utilised efficiently. Through job creation, skill development and knowledge transfer, we as a company strive to strengthen the workforce and empower individuals to accomplish their goals.”
Through the Green Farms Initiative, the release said that Plympton Farms has employed over 20 Guyanese living in nearby communities, contributing to job creation and stability in Dora and other communities, in alignment with SBM Offshore Guyana’s local content drive.
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Plympton Farms, Kapil Mohabir extended his gratitude to the company for its support, stating, “Over the last three years, SBM Offshore’s partnership has empowered us to significantly expand our greenhouse acreage, resulting in the commissioning of this three-acre greenhouse today.”
Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Richard Blair lauded the company’s sustainable development drive and local content commitments, especially since they are in alignment with the Caricom aim to reduce food imports by 25 per cent by 2025.
