The successful event comes from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Belize and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The project is supporting 4 (40 foot) cold storage units to be used in the post- harvest storage of vegetables in the districts of Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize and Cayo. The cost of the project is valued at a total of $186,000 of which 15% will be supported by the Ministry of Agriculture in technical assistance.

The project aim is to increase onion and potato productivity and quality, and extend storage capacity for 4 additional months after harvest, increasing income generated by farmers by reducing food loss and wastage.

Present at the event was Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, who in his remarks mentioned that this is another achievement of the manifesto which addresses the compromise government has to ensure food sovereignty and investment in the development of new products from by- products and waste at the local levels by value adding and using processing technologies. Minister Mai also thanked the JICA personnel and the Government and people of Japan for their collaboration with the project.

His Excellency Kazuhiro Iryu, Japanese Ambassador to Belize, also delivered remarks and stressed that the Government of Japan is pleased to be able to assist Belize in achieving its food sovereignty goals and to help the agriculture community in enhancing its productivity.

After the ceremony and signing of agreements with the cooperatives receiving the cold storage units, the guests and officials present inspected the cold storage facilities. The San Carlos cold storage unit is being temporarily located at Indian Creek while San Carlos receives electrification, after which the unit will be relocated.