FAO GCAF strengthens market opportunities for women and youth in Suriname’s honey sector

Women and youth honey producers from Suriname’s hinterland strengthened their visibility, market exposure and business connections during the Marowijne Agricultural Fair, held from 5–7 June 2026 in Moengo. 

The activity was supported through the Gender-responsive Climate-smart Agriculture and Food Systems (GCAF) Project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with funding from Global Affairs Canada, in collaboration with the Directorate of Agricultural Development in the Interior (DAOB) of the Ministry of Regional Development. 

Hermien Pavion, Head of the Directorate of Agricultural Development in the Interior (DAOB), said the response from producers and visitors shows the potential that exists within the Interior’s agricultural sector. “By creating platforms where producers can present their products, meet buyers and connect with partners, we help create opportunities for entrepreneurship and local economic development,” she said.

The support focused on the Honey Cluster, part of the broader Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Platform, and aimed to strengthen product presentation, market visibility and business linkages within Suriname’s honey value chain. 

Ten honey producers and agribusinesses, including 7 women and 3 youth producers from interior communities in Moengo and Wanhatti, participates, showcasing honey, beeswax, propolis and other apiculture-related products while engaging with visitors, potential buyers and other stakeholders. 

The Honey Cluster and broader NTFP Platform were established with support from FAO’s earlier Suriname Agriculture Market Access Project (SAMAP). Through GCAF, FAO is now building on that foundation by supporting market visibility, business linkages and the continued development of Suriname’s honey sector. 

“For us, the fair was not only about selling honey. It was about making new customer contacts and showing people that beekeeping is also growing in Marowijne and the interior,” said Roy Tini, owner of BeeMaster Tini and chair of the Honey Cluster. “I am grateful to see FAO continuing its support to the platform and the honey sector through GCAF.” 

Beyond product promotion, the fair created opportunities for new customer relationships, future supplier arrangements and stronger connections between producers and markets. 

Paramaribo-based honey distributor Golden Honey Bee registered 15 new beekeepers to their network, and through its non-profit foundation, Stichting Arelis, will help them build capacity.

“We will train and guide them, and Golden Honey Bee will buy their honey once they start producing,” said Shivangi Mahabali, chair of Stichting Arelis. “This gives new beekeepers a guaranteed market from the beginning, while helping us respond to the growing demand for honey.”

Supporting activities like the Marowijne Agricultural Fair contributes directly to GCAF’s focus on strengthening market access and business linkages for locally produced foods, while advancing opportunities for women and youth in the honey value chain.

About GCAF

The Gender-responsive Climate-smart Agriculture and Food Systems (GCAF) Project supports climate-smart, gender-responsive and market-oriented approaches to agriculture and food systems across the Caribbean, with a focus on creating opportunities for women, youth and rural producers. It is a four-year regional initiative funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by FAO in the Caribbean. 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.