Page 4 – Agriculture

Rehabilitation of the Corozal Free Zone Road

The rehabilitation of the Corozal Free Zone (CFZ) access road is closer and closer as the contract to get the work going was signed today at a brief ceremony at the CFZ conference facilities.

Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai was keynote speaker and praised the work done to get the project going. Minister of Defence and Border Security Hon. Florencio Marin Jr. was also present and spoke of the benefits the infrastructure would bring to the more than 1,500 workers of the CFZ.

CEO in the Ministry of Economic Development Osmond Martinez described the process leading to the actualization of the project, which is being funded by a grant from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, CABEI, at some 2 million dollars.

CEO of the CFZ Neri Ramirez spoke of upcoming projects for the CFZ, including connection to the BWS grid to bring quality potable water to the CFZ.

The Corozal Free Zone sees over 1.1 million visitors per year and contributes some 13% to the nation’s GDP. More than 300 businesses are registered to do business with 1,500 persons employed.

Work begins in the first week of December by RJB Construction Company Ltd, which was awarded the contract in an open tender process approved by the contractor general.

Honey Induction Traceability Workshop

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) in close collaboration with Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) conducted a 1-day Honey Induction Traceability Training Worship at Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College (CEMJC) San Roman, Corozal District.

The workshop is an integral part of a national plan and the strategic development agenda that aims to contribute to the growth and development of the Honey Industry. A total of 25 producers including women and youth benefited from the training. The main goal was to sensitize producers on how to embrace Honey Traceability as a important tool to control and manage Pests and Diseases and Market Access.

The other important thematic areas covered was Supplemental Feeding and Integrated Pest Management for a productive and sustainable beekeeping farm activity.

Culmination of Honey By-Products Workshop

The highly anticipated closing ceremony of the Honey By-Products Workshop unfolded today in Central Farm, marking the conclusion of an immersive journey for 30 dedicated participants. Throughout the workshop, held over the past days, participants delved into the rich realms of propolis, purple maguey, bee venom, and mosquito repellents. Their endeavors culminated in the creation of a range of innovative beauty and skincare products made from honey, finalizing with the development of a honey soap infused with the nourishing of coconut oil.

Attendees not only displayed their creative ability but also demonstrated unwavering dedication to transforming bee-derived elements into exquisite, sustainable products. The workshop’s success is a testament to the collaborative spirit and commitment to enhancing the value of honey products and creating new opportunities in the honey industry.

The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai is thrilled with the outcomes and the enthusiasm displayed by participants, while acknowledging the support of the Cooperative Department, Sociedad Cooperativa Melitzaak and the Belize Marketing and Development Co-operation for being the visionary force behind the workshop.

The closing ceremony served as a joyous celebration of the collective journey undertaken by participants, accentuating the intersection of science, nature, and innovation. As participants carry their creations home, the workshop leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, creativity, and a profound appreciation for the wonders of the hive.

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Ninth Multilateral Meeting of Medfly Program

The 9th Multilateral Meeting of Medfly Program Commissioners from Mexico, Guatemala and the USA, with Belize as an honorary member, is taking place in Mexico City on November 8, 2023. Belize is represented at the meeting by CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), Servulo Baeza, and Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) Managing Director Zoe Zetina.

During the meeting Belize signed the 2024 Work Plan for the Cooperative Fruit Fly Control Program with the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). This work plan is under the Memorandum of Understanding between the MAFSE and the USDA signed in Washington on December 8th, 1976. The work plan, including financial plans, describes the responsibilities that USDA-APHIS and MAFSE/BAHA have for implementing the Mediterranean Fruit Fly Control Program in 2024.

The multilateral agreement is between Guatemala, Mexico and USA. Belize participates with these countries in a regional strategy to eradicate the Mediterranean fruit fly in the region and suppress spread to any other regions.

The Mediterranean fruit fly is considered the most important agricultural pest in the world. It has spread throughout the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, the Middle East, Western Australia, South and Central America and Hawaii. The Medfly can infest hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables and nuts. Belize is so far from Medfly free, thanks to collaborative efforts by BAHA and partner agencies in our neighboring Central American countries with traps and border vigilance.

Manufacturing and Processing of Honey By-Products Workshop

The Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Enterprise and the Cooperative Department, in collaboration with Sociedad Cooperativa Melitzaak, are currently hosting a three-day workshop on the manufacturing and processing of honey by-products in Central Farm. The workshop which started today is a significant step towards enhancing the value of honey products and creating new opportunities in the honey industry, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth in this sector.

The workshop is being conducted by Sociedad Cooperativa Melitzaak, a cooperative based in Quintana Roo, Mexico, known for its expertise in producing cosmetic and food products derived from honey and beehive resources, including pollen, royal jelly, and propolis.

Honey production has long been a cornerstone of the agricultural sector, and the Ministry of Agriculture recognizes its importance. In collaboration with local honey producers, the Ministry has identified the need to add value to honey products, fostering increased income generation and job opportunities for the community, with a special emphasis on women and youth.

During the three days participants will learn the art of crafting honey-based soap using high-quality ingredients such as honey, coconut oil, and aloe vera, which are not only beneficial for the skin but also add value to honey products. Attendees will also learn how to prepare nutritious and essential food supplements for bees, create healing ointments using natural bee product, create an effective insect repellent using neem, honey, and bee wax, as well acquire the knowledge to make nutritious honey granola infused with dehydrated fruits and seeds, confectionery gummies infused with propolis, and product Packaging.

The workshop facilitated is an exciting opportunity for honey producers to expand their knowledge and skills, thus contributing to the development and diversification of the honey industry. By embracing the potential of honey by-products, it enhances the economic growth of the sector and provide valuable employment opportunities particularly to women and youth.

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Ministry of Agriculture and Orange Walk Technical High School Commemorate World Food Day

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with Orange Walk Technical High School, proudly celebrated World Food Day today at the Orange Walk district. This global event, observed on October 16th each year, serves as a reminder of the importance of food security and sustainable agriculture practices worldwide. This year theme was celebrated under “Water is Life, Water is Food – Leave No One Behind,” which underscores the critical role of water in food production, as well as the commitment to ensuring equitable access to food for all.

World Food Day provided today an opportunity for communities in the Orange Walk to come together to raise awareness about hunger and the need for equitable access to nutritious food. This year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Orange Walk Technical High School have joined forces to highlight the crucial role of agricultural education in building a sustainable food future.

The event, featured a range of activities designed to engage students, educators, and the local community in food security, sustainable farming, and the essential role that agriculture plays in our daily lives.

Minister of Agriculture emphasized, that “Water is at the core of the ability to feed the world’s population. Recognizing that water is a fundamental element in agriculture. He also mentioned that it is our duty to protect and manage this resource for the benefit of all, leaving no one behind in the journey towards food security.”

Present at the event was the Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam, Technical Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education and other invited guest.

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Grains Meeting Addresses Key Agricultural Concerns in Blue Creek

The Ministry of Agriculture and Representatives from the grain-growing communities of Blue Creek, Shipyard, Indian Creek, Spanish Lookout, Neuland, and Little Belize have convened to discuss the production of soybeans, sorghum, and various types of beans (Red Kidney, Pinto, Black Eye), as well as corn cultivation.

The meeting, held at Blue Creek, aims to provide a platform for local farmers, agricultural experts, and government officials to collaboratively tackle issues affecting grain production. Key topics on the agenda include:

Discussion on the latest developments in pest and disease control, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative solutions to protect their crops, weather conditions, climate change, and strategies to mitigate these challenges.

The Ministry of Agriculture, as part of its commitment to the local farming communities, regularly gathers valuable information through field visits. These visits assist in reporting, monitoring, and providing support to address issues on the ground.

The exchange of knowledge and expertise at this meeting is expected to lead to practical solutions that will benefit not only Blue Creek but also the entire grain-growing sector in the region. The Ministry of Agriculture looks forward to a fruitful discussion and collaboration between all the stakeholders involved.

OIRSA Celebrates 70 Years of Protecting Plant and Animal Health in the Region

The Organismo Internacional Regional de Salud Agropecuaria (OIRSA), the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health, proudly marks its 70th anniversary on October 29, 2023. Founded in 1953 by nine countries, OIRSA has been a steadfast guardian of agricultural health and food security in the region.
Over the past seven decades, OIRSA has played a vital role in safeguarding agricultural economies from the threats of animal and plant pests and diseases. With a commitment to border protection and cross-border cooperation, OIRSA has become a pillar of regional agricultural health and safety.
Annually, on October 29, OIRSA celebrates Regional Agricultural Health Day, emphasizing the prevention, protection, and control of pests of economic importance to its member countries. This day is a testament to the organization’s dedication to the wellbeing and food security of the region’s populations. As we celebrate 70 years of service, OIRSA remains committed to its mission of protecting the region’s agricultural health and food security.

MOU Signing

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was sign between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation, and the Ministry of Economic Development.

The MoU aims to facilitate the upgrade and increased visibility of Agrilinks, a marketing tool currently in use. This suggests a commitment to enhancing the effectiveness and reach of Agrilinks in promoting agricultural products.

The involvement of multiple government bodies, including MAFSE, MED, and the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation, indicates a collaborative effort to support and promote the agricultural sector and related economic activities.

Agrilinks is expected to play a crucial role in the marketing and development of agricultural products. Its upgrade and increased visibility can contribute to the growth and sustainability of the agriculture industry in Belize.

This MoU signifies a commitment to improving and modernizing the agricultural marketing landscape in Belize. By bringing together these key entities, the government is likely to create a more efficient and effective environment for the agricultural sector, ultimately benefitting both producers and consumers.

Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas

Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Jose Abelardo Mai attended the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas in San Jose, Costa Rica from October 3 to 5.

The Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas will meet with a broad work program that will also call on presidents, a Nobel laureate and a World Food Prize winner, to discuss solutions to the most urgent challenges facing the sector at times when food security is at the top of the global agenda.

The Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2023 will take place at the headquarters of the Inter-American Institute of Cooperation for Agriculture (IICA) and will also be attended by other high-ranking national authorities and international organizations, academics with global recognition and representatives of the productive and industrial sectors. The conference is held every 2 years.

The Inter-American Board of Agriculture (JIA) will sit within the Ministerial Conference, which is the highest governing body of IICA. The body is made up of 34 Member States of the Institute, an organization of the Inter-American System specialized in agricultural and rural development.

During the Conference, ministers will also debate the continent’s participation in the next United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 28), scheduled for the end of this year in Dubai.