NIVS LAUNCHES FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO STRENGTHEN FOOD SAFETY AND AGRICULTURAL TRADE
PRESS RELEASE: PDF
NIVS has launched a Project Preparation Grant (PPG) to assess the feasibility of using artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen food safety culture within Suriname’s horticultural sector. The initiative is supported through the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), reflecting the growing recognition that food safety, trade, and digital innovation must be addressed together rather than in isolation. The project is implemented in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).
Agriculture remains an important contributor to Suriname’s economy; however, export growth continues to face challenges related to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance, particularly pesticide residue violations that have resulted in export rejections in international markets. Strengthening food safety practices across the value chain is therefore essential to improving market access and building confidence in Surinamese agricultural products.
The feasibility study will explore how AI-driven tools and real-time data can support producers in improving food safety practices, record keeping, and decision-making. The assessment will also examine how digital tools and targeted training can promote behavioural change, strengthen risk-based regulatory oversight, and contribute to more effective food safety management.
The study will be implemented through consultations with public and private stakeholders across the horticultural value chain and will assess the technical, regulatory, and institutional conditions required to implement such an approach, including data management, stakeholder roles, and long-term sustainability.
Based on the results of the feasibility study and subject to approval by the STDF Working Group, the PPG is expected to lead to the development of a project proposal aimed at piloting this innovative approach in the CARICOM region.
NIVS considers this initiative an important step towards strengthening food safety systems, reducing export rejections, and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of Suriname’s agricultural sector.
