FAO Representative Dr Ana Laura Touza Meets with CEO Servulo Baeza to Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation in Belize

The recently appointed Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Belize, Dr. Ana Laura Victoria Touza, is currently on an official visit to Belize from March 24 to March 28, 2025. As part of her mission, Dr. Touza held a meeting with Chief Executive Officer Servulo Baeza of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) to discuss Belize’s agricultural priorities and strengthen FAO’s commitment to the country.
During the meeting, Dr. Touza reaffirmed FAO’s continued support for Belize, particularly in the implementation of ongoing Technical Cooperation Projects (TCPs). Belize also expressed interest in initiating discussions for new TCPs for the 2025-2027 period, with a strong emphasis on further collaboration in food security, agricultural development, and climate resilience.
Key topics addressed included Belize’s request for the establishment of a dedicated FAO office in the country, reflecting the deepening partnership and FAO’s expanding role in Belize’s agricultural sector. Other critical discussions centered on improving the procurement process from FAO’s regional office in Jamaica, which has posed challenges to project implementation timelines, and enhancing FAO’s support for data management within MAFSE.
Dr. Touza, an expert in rural sociology and gender studies, brings extensive experience in agricultural and social development across Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. She has previously served as FAO Representative in Cabo Verde and has worked with the UNDP and the World Food Programme, leading initiatives that integrate smallholder farmers into value chains. Her background in research, with a focus on gender and rural development, further strengthens FAO’s approach to inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth in Belize.
Following her engagement with MAFSE, Dr. Touza will continue her mission in Belize, participating in the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) Strategic Planning Session and meeting with key stakeholders to advance FAO’s collaboration in the country.

Belize Kicks off its National Food Control System Assessment with FAO-Led Inception and Training Workshop

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Enterprise has launched the Inception and Training Workshop on Belize’s Food Control System Assessment at Kiki Witz, Belmopan City.
This five-day workshop, held from March 24 to 28, 2025, aims to strengthen Belize’s food safety governance through an in-depth assessment using the FAO/WHO Food Control System Assessment Tool.
The initiative, part of the FVC/GLO/220/MUL project, seeks to enhance national food control mechanisms by evaluating policies, legal frameworks, institutional structures, and technical capacities. The workshop will engage competent authorities (CAs), policymakers, and food sector stakeholders to ensure commitment and data-driven decision-making for improved food safety standards in Belize.
During the opening session this morning high-level representatives from the government, FAO, and private sector stakeholders gathered to discuss the significance of the assessment, ensuring full engagement and political support.
Participants were welcomed by the National Project Coordinator, followed by remarks from the FAO Country Representative, and the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Servulo Baeza.
For the remainder of the workshop, focal points from various competent authorities will receive training on data collection, assessment methodology, and evidence-based evaluation. This training will prepare them to lead the national assessment, ensuring accurate reporting and policy recommendations.
The expected outcomes of the workshop include:
Increased awareness and commitment among national stakeholders.
Enhanced technical capacity for data collection and assessment.
A roadmap for Belize to strengthen its food control system in line with international standards.
The Government of Belize, in collaboration with FAO, remains committed to ensuring food safety, enhancing trade opportunities, and protecting public health. This assessment marks a significant step toward strengthening Belize’s national food control system for the benefit of producers, consumers, and the economy.

CRESAP PIU Hosts Meeting to Train Data Collectors on Project Details

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), through the Climate Resilient Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP) – Project Implementation Unit (PIU), is hosting a special training session for data collectors at the MAFSE Conference Room.
The session aims to provide data collectors with an in-depth understanding of the CRESAP project, including its Matching Grant, Environmental and Social components, and the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC). By familiarizing data collectors with these key aspects, the session will enhance their capacity to gather and manage project-related data effectively.
The meeting will feature presentations by Mr. Roberto Harrison, Mr. Orlando Coc, who will address procurement procedures and Mr. Phillip Tate who will lead discussions on monitoring and evaluation, as well as the structure of data collection processes.
This initiative is crucial in ensuring that data collectors are well-equipped to support the implementation of CRESAP, which aims to strengthen climate resilience in Belize’s agricultural sector. By enhancing data collection and analysis, the project can better monitor its impact and ensure its success.

Belize Poultry Association Hosts Successful Annual General Meeting in Blue Creek

March 18, 2025

Blue Creek, Belize – The Belize Poultry Association (BPA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today in Blue Creek, drawing a strong turnout of producers from across the country along with key stakeholders from the agricultural sector. Representatives from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) were in attendance, underscoring the critical role of poultry in Belize’s economy and food security.

The event was highlighted by a keynote address from the recently appointed Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai. In his remarks, Minister Mai emphasized the importance of the poultry sector in Belize’s agricultural landscape and its promising future. He noted that poultry remains one of the most affordable sources of protein for Belizeans, playing a crucial role in national nutrition and food security.

“The poultry sector continues to show steady growth, both in production and economic value,” said Minister Mai. “Not only does it provide a vital and affordable food source, but it also sustains the livelihoods of hundreds of Belizeans, from farmers and processors to distributors and retailers.”

The Belize Poultry Association reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the sector through innovation, improved biosecurity measures, and collaboration with regulatory agencies. The AGM provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies to enhance productivity and sustainability in the industry.

Belize Representatives Participate in the 11th Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Promotion SHEP International Workshop in Ethiopia

A Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Promotion (SHEP) Approach International Workshop is currently taking place in Ethiopia, with participation from Belizean representatives. Extension Officer Mr. Marvin Blades and Ms. Catherine Hob from the Ministry of Agriculture, along with Ms. Jenilee Donis from the University of Belize, are attending the event.
The SHEP approach is actively being integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture’s programs, with seven farmer groups across six districts currently involved. At the University of Belize, the approach is also being incorporated into the Agribusiness course, ensuring that future agricultural professionals understand the importance of market-driven farming.
SHEP encourages farmers to shift their mindset from simply “growing and sell” to treating farming as a business. The initiative was first introduced in Kenya through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and has since expanded to more than 59 countries globally, including now Belize.
Through the SHEP approach, farmers learn to calculate their cost of production and determine their potential profits. They also acquire skills in market research, enabling them to produce crops that meet market demand in terms of quantity and quality. By analyzing market trends, farmers select the most profitable crops and create a planting calendar to align with peak market demand.
The objective of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for information sharing among participants in order to successfully implement and mainstream the SHEP approach in their countries. The workshop will include presentations from various African countries where SHEP has been implemented, highlighting successes, challenges, and strategies for the future.
The event is funded by JICA and the Ethiopian government, demonstrating a continued commitment to empowering smallholder farmers worldwide.

Ministry of Agriculture MED and CARICOM Development Fund Representatives Conduct Project Site Visits in Northern Belize

On February 24, 2025, Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), and the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) conducted a series of project site visits in the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. The delegation assessed the impact of key initiatives, including the Honey Production and Redevelopment Support Project, the Covered Structure and Capacity Enhancement Project, and the Rudimentary Water System Project.
Launched in 2018 with a budget of $464,323.25 USD, the Honey Production and Redevelopment Support Project provided training and equipment to 110 beekeepers, established three demonstration apiaries, and significantly increased honey production across all six districts of Belize.
The Covered Structure and Capacity Enhancement Project, initiated in 2019 with a $262,995 USD budget, supported the construction of 36 covered structure nationwide. This project benefited vegetable farmers by enhancing production capacity and providing specialized training in covered structure management.
In Chunox, the Rudimentary Water System Project improved community water access through the installation of a high-performance 3” water meter (HPM), 375 house service connections, five valve inspection boxes, five air release valves, and a 60,000 US GPD brackish water reverse osmosis purification system, which included well and transfer pumps.
The site visits also served as a platform to explore Belize’s participation in Cycle 3 of the CDF’s funding initiatives and discuss potential new projects and programs aimed at further advancing national development goals.

Project Concept Note Presentations CARICOM Development Fund Third Contribution and Subvention Cycle Project Identification Mission

On February 26, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development, met with the Board of Directors of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) to discuss the submission of project concept notes under the Third Contribution and Subvention Cycle.
The meeting provided an opportunity for MAFSE to present and discuss its proposed projects, enabling the CARICOM Development Fund to gain deeper insight into each initiative for funding consideration. The discussions focused on key areas aligned with Belize’s agricultural and economic development goals, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and sectoral growth.
The engagement reflects Belize’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and leveraging financial resources to drive agricultural advancement, improve food security, and enhance economic opportunities for stakeholders.
The Ministry remains dedicated to fostering collaboration with regional and international development partners to secure funding for impactful projects that benefit the country’s agricultural sector and overall economic growth.

Handover of Agriculture supplies to farmers from the Orange Walk District

February 6, 2025

This morning, a brief ceremony was held at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station to officially hand over seeds, fertilizers, and livestock feed to 25 farmers from the Orange Walk District.

The agricultural inputs, valued at $60,000 Belize dollars, were provided by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) as part of ongoing efforts to support farmers affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Sarah. These farmers, who were in active production at the time of the storm, experienced significant disruptions to their crop cultivation.

Present at the handing-over ceremony were Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, and IICA Country Representative, Mr. Mauricio Guevara. Both officials addressed the farmers, highlighting the increasing impact of climate change on agriculture and the urgent need for resilience-building efforts within the sector.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the Ministry of Agriculture and IICA to supporting farmers in their recovery and strengthening the country’s agricultural resilience against extreme weather events.

Belize Launches BACSuF Project to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Sugarcane Farming

The Government of Belize, in partnership with key stakeholders, officially launched Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize (BACSuF) project today. This transformative initiative reaffirms the government’s commitment to increasing the economic viability of the sugar industry through strategic investments in climate resilience.
The BACSuF project is the result of six years of collaboration among the Government of Belize, the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI)/American Sugar Refinery (ASR), the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), the Northern Sugar Cane Growers Association (NSCGA), the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association (PSCPA), the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association (CSCPA), and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC).
In March 2024, the BACSuF project made history as the first sugarcane-specific agricultural initiative to be approved by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project, tabled at the GCF Board meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, secured an investment of US $38.84 million, including a US $25 million grant from the GCF.
This funding will bridge the financing gap for farmers, as the initial cost of implementing climate-resilient practices is often higher than traditional methods. The project is expected to directly benefit more than 5,000 farmers and impact an estimated 87,000 Belizeans.
Key Project Components
The BACSuF project aims to remove agronomic, technological, economic, and institutional barriers to climate resilience by focusing on three core areas:
1. Increasing Climate Risk Reduction and Adaptive Capacity
Introducing climate-resilient sugarcane varieties
Establishing nurseries and replanting 10,000 acres
Promoting sustainable soil health and ratoon management techniques
2. Promoting Sustainable Water and Land Management
Investing in drainage, irrigation, and pest management
Aligning practices with Climate Smart Agriculture and Integrated Pest Management standards
3. Developing a Center for Teaching and Learning
Enhancing resilience through training, capacity building, and technology integration
A Transformational Step for Belize’s Agriculture
This initiative represents more than adaptation it is a transformational step for Belize’s agricultural sector. It strengthens farming communities, secures long-term industry viability, and ensures that future generations inherit a strong, resilient, and competitive sugar industry.
During the launch, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security & Enterprise, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring Belize maximizes climate financing opportunities. He also urged ASR-BSI to explore milling expansion options to increase processing capacity and mitigate risks posed by climate change.
Belize extends its gratitude to the Green Climate Fund, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), and all technical partners whose expertise and dedication have made this project a reality.
As Belize moves forward, the Ministry of Agriculture stands ready to provide technical expertise, policy support, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure the project’s success and the continued prosperity of the sugar industry.

Strengthening Transport Cooperatives Enhancing Road Safety Customer Service and Compliance

On Monday, February 10, 2025, the Department of Co-operatives hosted a training workshop titled “Transport Co-operatives: Developing Strategies to Mitigate Traffic Violations, Improve Customer Service, and Enhance Road Safety.” Thirty-eight (38) members from seven transportation co-operatives participated in the session, which aimed to strengthen the sector through improved customer service, enhanced road safety, reduced traffic violations, and increased awareness of financial access opportunities.

While the workshop was organized by the Department of Co-operatives, several expert facilitators contributed to the discussions:

  • Superintendent Jerome Stevens of the Police Department presented on Rules of the Road.
  • Mr. Peter Williams, Deputy Commissioner of Transport, led a session on Traffic Regulations and Compliance.
  • Ms. Cynthia Williams addressed Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment.
  • Mr. Kenrick Gordon discussed Environmental Pollution.
  • Mr. Javier Gutierrez provided insights on Good and Effective Customer Service.
  • Representatives of La Inmaculada Credit Union introduced participants to financial services available through their institution.

The session was well received by attendees, who actively engaged in discussions and gained valuable insights. At the conclusion of the workshop, all participants were presented with certificates of completion.