With proper inspections and collaboration, Belize’s papaya industry has the potential to regain its former status as a significant player in the global papaya market. Personnel from the Belize Agriculture and Health Authority conducted a proper field and packing shed inspections at Golden Produce Company Limited in Indian Creek, Orange Walk.
The team was composed by the Managing Director of the Belize Agriculture Health Authority, Mrs. Zoe Zetina, accompanied by the Deputy Director of Plant Health at BAHA, Mr. Kenrick Witty, and Chairman of the Board of Director, Hugh O’Brien.
In 2023, Belize is expected to record at least a 25% increase in papaya exports, and in 2024, production is expected to double. In the early 2000, export of papayas from Belize surpassed $40 million, and with the withdrawal of J.R. Brooks and Fruta Bomba from Corozal and Belize in 2016, papaya exports have dwindled to a trickle.
BAHA personnel are required to inspect the preparation, treatment and packaging of papayas for export to the US, and it was good to know that the two (2) BAHA technicians who inspect the operations and Golden Produce Company have an excellent working relationship.
