In 2019, the agriculture sector contributed 5.8 percent to Suriname’s GDP. The Government of Suriname has designated the agricultural sector as priority area. The potential for agricultural development remains strong, with 1.5 million hectares considered suitable for agricultural production. However, only an estimated 120,000 hectares are currently being used. The sector is divided into three main areas: agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
The main agricultural exports are rice, shrimp, fish, shellfish, and bananas. Suriname exports wild harvested shrimp. The Southern Pink Shrimp is primarily exported to Japan, while the Seabob Shrimp goes to the United States and Europe. Two small-scale aquaculture enterprises farm in the Commewijne district, east of Paramaribo.
The export value of fish and shrimp in 2021 amounted to $30.1 million. The United States certified Suriname as a Turtle Exclusionary Device (TEDS)-compliant country.
Opportunities exist for “fresh catch” seafood and aquaculture. Many fish species in Suriname’s coastal waters, including Red Snapper, Mackerel, Wahoo and Yellow Fin Tuna, are exported to the United States.
Suriname’s abundant rainforest contains valuable hardwood tree species. A sizeable portion of production remains in the local market as the industry has been unable to compete in quantity, quality, or price with large logging companies in the region. First Timber N.V. and Houtexploitatie en Verwerkings Onderneming Soekhoe & Zn N.V. are the largest timber-exporting companies in Suriname. In 2021, the total export value of timber was U$ 67.01 million, and Suriname exported hardwoods to Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean region, with Asia (97 percent) representing the largest market.
Agricultural development and attracting investors in agriculture are Surinamese Government priorities.
