On Wednesday, 9th of November 2022, the Department of Co-operatives facilitated an exchange program with members of Western Mopan Farmers’ Co-operative of San Jose Succotz, Cayo and the Hopkins Farmers’ Co-operative. The purpose of the visit was to lend support and provide capacity building on cover structure (greenhouse) management.

Both co-operatives have been recent beneficiaries of cover structures from the UNDP-GEF-SGP/BEST/Dept. of Co-operatives ‘Co-operatives Rapid Response to COVID19 and 2020 Floods in Belize’ and have been cultivating bell peppers. Activities included evaluating the operations of Hopkins farmers and making critical recommendations to improve and strengthen their efforts. Re-organization of the irrigation system, the fitting of a string trellis, and the institution of a spray regimen were also undertaken.

The session was led by Mr. Hugo Miranda, Co-operative Education Officer and Mr. Felipe Puc, Chairman of Western Mopan Farmers Co-operative and served to also exchange information on production methods, marketing, and general best practices. Expected outcomes include increased production and improved maintenance and upkeep of the structure.