Trustbank Amanah and Horticulture Innovation HUB Launch Financing for Pineapple Sector

Trustbank Amanah and the Horticulture Innovation HUB have begun implementing financing under the Collateral Facility Fund, marking a major milestone in strengthening Suriname’s pineapple sector. As fund manager, Trustbank Amanah plays a key role in enabling investments that support sustainable growth, modernization, and future export opportunities.

This initiative is part of the Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) Joint Programme, implemented with the Government of Suriname by UNIDO, FAO, UNFPA, and ILO, with support from the Joint SDG Fund and the Islamic Development Bank. The program aims to transform Suriname into a competitive producer and exporter of high-quality, organic fresh and processed pineapples.

Trustbank Amanah’s role includes facilitating access to finance—supported by the NOFA fund—by reducing risks for agricultural entrepreneurs. According to Eduard Kidjo, Group Head Operations, the fund helps bridge financial institutions and farmers, enabling investments in improved productivity, quality, and sustainability.

On 23 March, financing agreements were signed with pineapple farmers from Para and Marowijne. These investments will support modern farming techniques, increased yields, higher incomes, job creation, and broader economic development. The Horticulture Innovation HUB highlighted that the ASTA project focuses on improving agricultural practices and strengthening agro-entrepreneurship. A national production protocol is being developed to ensure high-quality pineapples at affordable prices while securing fair incomes for farmers.

All partners express confidence that this collaboration will build a strong, innovative, and internationally competitive pineapple sector in Suriname.