Resilient Rural Belize Program and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise through the Department of Co-operatives and the Extension Services collaborated on an exchange visit. Co-operativa De Los Buenos Amigos Co-operative Society Ltd and Trio Farmers for Development Co-operative Society Ltd, both of the Toledo District along with Chileros Del Sur Cow Pen of the Stann Creek District visited with Servicios Varios El Progresso Co-operative Society Ltd and Laguna Farmers’ Co-operative Society Ltd, both of Valley of Peace, Cayo District.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen their institutional capacities through learning and sharing of experiences. A field trip to the production site of Laguna Farmers’ Co-operative was also undertaken with a view to enable participants to learn and share practical experiences in the different agricultural production systems and on the best practices utilized for various crops.

While the direction of the training was two-fold (organizational and agricultural production and marketing) more emphasis was given to organizational and management aspects. The aim is for capacity building and development that will improve knowledge and practices of the producer organizations enabling them to integrate the experience gained into their daily activities and operations.