The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), in collaboration with the Taiwan ICDF Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Sheep Project Phase II), held an “Inauguration Ceremony of the Newly Completed Sheep Barn”, at the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center in Central Farm, Cayo District on November 10th, 2022. Present was guest speaker Hon. José Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and H.E. David Kuan-Chou Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

In his remarks, Minister Mai spoke about the growth of the sheep and goat livestock sub-sector and said the Taiwan Breeding Sheep and goat program has been successful so far with increases in the quality of lamb and goat meats available for consumption due to better breeds and higher local production. He said there is much more to achieve as Belize keeps an eye on export market opportunities, and asked Ambassador Chien to convey thanks to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their generosity in helping agriculture grow in Belize.

The facility will improve the function of the National Sheep & Goat Breeding Center by increasing the capacity of barn infrastructure from 400 sheep to 650 sheep. In addition, the related components of the new sheep barn, such as the gutter system (also known as a water harvesting system), will also enhance the management and sustainability of water utilization. It is one of the main achievements so far of the Sheep Project Phase II.

The ceremony not only marked a historical milestone of the Breeding Sheep & Goat Project in Belize but also gives evidence to the strong ties between Taiwan and Belize. The Governments of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are committed to working closely together to strengthen the sheep and goat industry of Belize by further bilateral cooperation in agriculture which will enhance the welfare of the Belizean people.

Approximately 50 people were in attendance at the ceremony, including representatives from the Belize Livestock Producers Association, OIRSA, CARDI, IICA, the University of Belize, BAHA and the Pesticides Control Board.