The GRDB was established in 1995, in pursuance of the Guyana Rice Development Board Act No. 15 of 1994.  The three entities that were controlling the state’s interests in the industry prior to the formation of GRDB were dissolved.  The roles of these entities – the Guyana Rice Export Board (GREB), Guyana Rice Milling & Marketing Authority (GRMMA) and the National Padi & Rice Grading Centre (NPRGC) have been usurped and are now pursued by GRDB.  The main objectives of the GRDB include.

a)    To develop the rice industry in Guyana and to promote the expansion of the export trade in the said industry;

b)    To establish facilities for the conduct of research, relating to rice and extending to rice farmers through an established system, the benefits derived from such research;

c)     To engage in such promotional and developmental activities which the Board deems necessary for the purpose of developing the rice industry.

Functions of the Quality Control Department

To achieve its main objectives, the Act has conferred on the Board, a number of statutory functions. Those relating to grading and which are carried out by the Quality Control Department are as follows:

Grade and certify the grades of all paddy received into or proposed to be delivered to a rice factory for milling.

Grade and certify the grades of all paddy and rice intended for sale in Guyana.

Grade and certify the grades of all paddy and rice intended for export.

To collect and make available to the rice industry relevant data relating to grading of paddy and rice.

To train persons to grade paddy or rice or both and to certify and license persons, who are in the opinion of the Board qualified to grade paddy or both.

Exercise and perform in relation to rice factories the functions, under the Factories Act, as defined in that Act.

To determine suitable types of packaging for sale in Guyana and for exportation of paddy and rice.

Lay down and maintain technical standards consistent with international classifications for grading paddy and rice.

Facilities

Four regional quality control laboratories are operational at the regional offices of GRDB. The Central reference laboratory is located at the Head Office in Georgetown.

 The Regional laboratories are located as follows:

Anna Regina                                              Essequibo Coast, Region 2

Crane                                                            West Coast Demerara, Region 3

Burma                                                           East Coast Demerara, Region 5

Corriverton                                                 East Berbice, Region  6

 Staff

The technical staff positions in the department are as follows:

1.Manager - Qualitv Control: Responsible for the general operation of the Department and reports to the General Manager.

2.Regional Coordinator: Manages the daily operations of the Regional Office/laboratory, and reports to the Manager - Quality Control.

3. Grading Officers: Inspect shipping vessels and containers, sample, grade and certify rice and paddy.

4.Technicians Assistants; inspect shipping vessels and containers, sample and grade rice.

5.Research Assistants: Conduct post harvest research, grade and certify rice and paddy and deputises in the absence of the Regional Co-ordinator.

Regional Laboratories

General Functions

The Regional Laboratory will perform any or all of the functions of the Board in relation to padi and rice grading. These include, but are not limited to:

1. Grading and certification of paddy or rice samples on request by millers, farmers and exporters/buyers.
2. Store sealed samples of all certified parcels for a period of 14 days (non business days excluded).

a.    Data collection

b.    Provide technical advice to millers in the area of post harvest management.

c.    Inspecting and licencing of rice mills

d.    Standardisation of laboratory equipment.

e.     Monitoring of licenced graders at mills

f.     Certification of rice and padi for export and domestic consumption.

g.     Carrying out quarantine treatments on rice, paddy and rice by-products.

h.    Monitoring the trade of padi between farmers and millers to ensure that it is done in a fair and transparent manner.

i.    Work in collaboration with the GNBS to ensure that all scales used in the rice industry are verified and calibrated.

Central Reference Laboratory

General Functions

Grading for Appeal and Arbitration procedures,

Grading of rice and padi for export and domestic consumption.

Grading of submitted samples.

Store sealed samples of all certified parcels for a maximum of 14 days (excluding non-business days) after shipment or delivery.                               

Prepare guide samples for different grades of rice.

Auditing certified graders and regional laboratories.

Prepare laboratories for certification to the national laboratory standards.

Inspecting and licencing of rice mills.

Plan and conduct training courses on grading of padi and rice and warehouse management.

Carrying out quarantine treatments on rice, paddy and rice by-products.