Suriname advances sustainable agriculture with launch of 'Collateral Facility.'

A new chapter in Suriname’s sustainable development story began with the launch of the Collateral Facility a groundbreaking financing mechanism under the Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) Joint Programme. Officially unveiled by the Hon. Mr. Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, the initiative brings together the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with funding from the Joint SDG Fund and the Islamic Development Bank.

The Collateral Facility makes it possible for pineapple farmers, including those from indigenous and tribal communities, to access credit from commercial banks without traditional collateral requirements. This marks a historic breakthrough for producers cultivating on communal lands, many of whom were previously excluded from financial systems. With this new facility, farmers can now modernize production, expand their businesses, and secure more stable livelihoods.

“With this facility, our farmers have the opportunity to dream bigger, modernize their production, and contribute to a future-proof pineapple sector in Suriname,” said Minister Bouva at the launch event, where six farmers signed their loan agreements, the first tangible results of the initiative.

From an ILO perspective, the facility represents a step forward in advancing decent work in the rural economy. By improving basics of access to finance increasing financial literacy of farmers, strengthening local cooperatives, and promoting sustainable and inclusive value chains, the initiative helps ensure that agricultural transformation goes hand in hand with more jobs and opportunities.

As part of the ASTA Joint Programme, the ILO provides technical support to integrate decent work areas into agricultural production systems. This includes promoting cooperative development as a pathway to formalization and entrepreneurship development in the pineapple sector. The initiative’s inclusive design is expected to generate new employment opportunities, raise rural incomes, and improve food security, while supporting the development of local and export markets for organic pineapples and the growth of agrotourism. These outcomes reinforce Suriname’s green development vision, combining productivity with the preservation of its forests and biodiversity.

“This model of integral value chain development, integrating global expertise and with strong local commitment can build resilient and decent rural livelihoods,” said Mr. John Bliek, ILO Specialist, Sustainable Enterprise Development and Job Creation. “By investing in people's skills, level of organization and access to finance and training, Suriname is building the foundation for a more diversified and sustainable growth.”

As the ASTA Programme approaches its conclusion in March 2026, Minister Bouva called on international partners, financial institutions, and new donors to sustain investment in this vision: "The seeds we plant today need time to grow. I call on all partners to continue to invest in this vision and to contribute to the future of our farmers."

The ILO remains committed to supporting Suriname’s efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future, advancing decent work and economic empowerment for its people.