Page 8 – Agriculture

Belize Agriculture and Health Authority conducted proper Field and Packing Shed Inspections

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.

May be an image of 4 people, cold frame and seedlings

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding

To combat the threat posed by Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 on banana and plantain crops and other diseases in Belize, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today in Belmopan with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), the International Regional Organization for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA), the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the University of Belize (UB), the Banana Growers Association (BGA), and the Republic of China Taiwan ICDF, in the following key areas:

Development of Tissue Culture Technology: The University of Belize laboratory will receive assistance to develop tissue culture technology for propagating disease-resistant varieties of bananas and plantains. This technology will enable the mass production of disease-resistant plantlets, helping to replace infected plants and minimize the spread of Foc TR4.

Expansion of Satellite Surveillance Program: The Banana Growers Association (BGA) will be supported in enhancing their Satellite Surveillance Program. Utilizing satellite imagery, this program will monitor banana plantations, allowing for early detection of any discolorations or changes that may indicate the presence of the disease. Early warning systems will be essential for prompt action to prevent or control the spread of Foc TR4.

State-of-the-Art Laboratory Equipment Donation: The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) will receive a donation of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to strengthen their capacity for early disease diagnosis within the Musaceae family, including bananas and plantains. This will enable field-level sample processing and swift and accurate disease identification, allowing for timely intervention.

Apart from addressing Fusarium wilt TR4, an addendum to the Belize Livestock Registry – Trazar-Agro MOU has also been signed, extending its life, and adding more activities. The addendum includes the traceability of Sheep and Goats, Honey, Swine, and Poultry, in addition to the existing activities. The traceability platform, under the ownership of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) and supported by the Inter-American Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA), facilitates monitoring the national herd, flock, or stock of products, aiding in decision-making, disease control, management, and trade facilitation with other countries.

Additionally, an MOU for non-intrusive quarantine inspection services at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) has been signed, with an Addendum further strengthening the quarantine inspection process. This involves using X-Ray machines at the arrival lounge to detect and prevent the introduction of pests and risky agricultural products like vegetables, meat, and meat products. The introduction of a maintenance fee for this service aims to ensure its financial sustainability and enhance Belize Agricultural Health Authority’s (BAHA) capability to detect unwanted goods that could pose risks to the agricultural sector.

The participation of various organizations, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, BAHA, OIRSA, UB, the BGA, and the Republic of China Taiwan ICDF,

indicates a coordinated and well-supported effort to protect Belize’s agricultural sector from potential disease incursions.

Agro-processing Training for Farmers involve in the School Feeding Program

A training session was conducted in Central Farm for 20 female farmers from the Corozal District on the production of salsa casera, pickled products, and fruit jams.

The training, facilitated by the Agro-Processing Unit, aimed to support and strengthen value adding of local products produced by farmers.

By learning how to make these products, farmers can diversify their income sources and reduce their dependence on external markets.

Additionally, it encouraged self-sufficiency in food production and increase in food security and resilience promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering local farmers.

International Forum for Technological Dissemination of Soursop

An opening ceremony was held for the International Forum for Technological Dissemination of Soursop. The event was organized by the Southeast Regional Research Center of the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research (INIFAP) México and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.

The National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research is a research institution in Mexico that plays a crucial role in strengthening production capacity, not only within Mexico but also in collaboration with other countries, including Belize.

Through a bilateral agreement INIFAP have been assisting Technical Officers and farmers in Belize with technical assistance and knowledge transfer to farmers, agricultural organizations, and government agencies in the management of coconut, Soursop, pitahaya and Soybeans.

Through the collaboration the institute have shared best practices, conducted training programs, and provided recommendations on crop selection, cultivation techniques, pest management, and other aspects of agriculture. Other collaboration included research institutions in Belize to undertake joint research projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity and addressing common challenges faced by farmers. This collaboration involved sharing research findings, exchanging experts, and conducting collaborative studies on crop improvement, soil management, irrigation techniques, and other relevant areas like Exchange Programs between farmers, researchers, and technicians from Mexico and Belize.

These programs provide opportunities for individuals to learn from each other’s experiences, observe different agricultural systems, and promote cultural exchange. Such exchanges foster mutual understanding and strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.

Present at the event was the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Jose Mai, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Victoriano Pascual, Dr. Alejandro Cano Lead Technical Officer for INIFAP, Chief of Mission within the Mexican Embassy Mr. Vladimir Hernandez, Farmers, Technical Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, BMDC, CARDI and other invited guests.

Cold Storage and Contract Farming Training

A two-day training session was conducted for the Orange Walk and Corozal District beneficiaries of the Cold Storage projects sponsored by JICA. The purpose of the training aimed to empower the beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage cold storage units and engage in contract farming, by strengthening the school feeding program’s ability to provide consistent, high-quality meals to students in the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts.

During the training, participants were educated on the various aspects of cold storage management. This included understanding the optimal temperature and humidity levels required to preserve different types of crops, learning about proper storage techniques to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness, and implementing effective inventory management practices to stock and minimize wastage.

The training covered topics such as handling and transportation of goods, maintenance of cold storage equipment, and safety protocols.

In addition, the training session highlighted the importance of contract farming in supporting the school feeding program. Contract farming involves agreements between farmers and buyers, to produce specific crops or products according to quality and quantity standards. By engaging in contract farming, the school feeding program can secure a stable supply of fresh and nutritious food items, allowing for better planning and ensuring the availability of meals for the students.

Food System Transformation Pathway in Belize Stakeholder Consultation Meeting

To ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the Food System Transformation Pathway in Belize, a stakeholder consultation meeting was held at the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Room in Belmopan. The meeting aimed to bring together key government Ministries, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.

The objective of the meeting was to align efforts, revise the draft pathway, and gather valuable input from diverse perspectives.

During the consultation, participants had the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed actions and interventions. Insights, experiences, and recommendations was provided to enhance the pathway’s effectiveness and address any potential gaps or challenges.

Based on the findings of the Food System Profile, a draft pathway for the food system transformation in Belize was developed. This pathway outlined a series of actions and interventions that would contribute to achieving a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system in the country.

The Belize Food System was developed through collaboration between the Government of Belize, FAO, the European Union, and CIRAD.

Vegetable Production Workshop

The collaboration between the Toledo Agriculture Department and Plenty Belize resulted in a successful vegetable production workshop held in Santa Elena village in the Toledo District. The workshop aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of 13 youth from Santa Elena and neighboring villages, where Plenty Belize is actively involved. The participants, with support and guidance from the NGO, are currently working on establishing a small garden that serves as an educational and recreational platform.

The workshop covered various subjects related to vegetable production, including seedling management, nursery management, and transplanting techniques. These topics were carefully presented to ensure that the participants gained a comprehensive understanding and could effectively apply the knowledge in their garden projects.

Plenty Belize, as an NGO operating within the district, focuses on rural development in Toledo by actively engaging with communities and empowering them to improve their livelihoods. The organization implements diverse initiatives such as agriculture, food processing, and creative arts to support the local communities and contribute to their overall well-being.

By organizing this workshop and providing comprehensive support, the Toledo Agriculture Department and Plenty Belize are equipping the youth participants with valuable skills and knowledge in vegetable production. This initiative not only promotes sustainable agriculture practices but also encourages the development of local communities and enhances the participants’ potential for future livelihood opportunities.

Cover Structures Inspection

An inspection was carried out today in the Toledo district for beneficiaries who received covered structures earlier under the CARICOM Development Fund’s ‘Covered Structure and Capacity Enhancement Project’. The inspection aimed to evaluate the current status and functionality of the greenhouses and ensure that they complied with the specified project specifications and standards.

The inspection was attended by several key stakeholders, including a representative from the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Projects Execution Unit, the construction team leader and beneficiaries of the project.

This inspection holds significant importance as it allows for the verification of the successful implementation of the ‘Covered Structure and Capacity Enhancement Project’ within the Toledo district. By assessing the effectiveness of the constructed greenhouses, it helps in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhances productivity for the local farmers.

Pig Management Training

Seventeen experienced and aspiring pig producers participated in a pig management training hosted at the Lucky Strike community Center. The training was coordinated and facilitated by the Livestock extension officer, Ms. Bernadette Cob of the Belize District Department of Agriculture supported by technical personnel of the Livestock Division of MAFSE.

The training was designed to refresh or provide new interested producers with an overview of the pillars of pig production: health, feeding, housing and husbandry practices aimed at improving and increasing pig productivity.

Learning pig management will provide the participants the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills, which in turn can potentially help the district develop a skilled and motivated core of producers. The planned training offers a logical progression of skills development which helps planning and advancement focused on the different stages of pork production.

The session concluded with hands on activity to demonstrate practical management techniques on farm, including castration and the appropriate application methods of anthelmintics to maintain a sustainable pig production enterprise.

New Agriculture Export Opportunities for Belize as Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai Leads Delegation to Mexico

Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai and a delegation of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise return to Belize today after having a very successful meetings in Mexico on opportunities expected for new agriculture export.

During the visit, the Belize delegation met with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, Victor Villalobos Arambula, the Director and senior staff of the National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad – SENASICA), and representatives from Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Trade. Resulting from the meetings is Mexico’s commitment to continue facilitating the smooth export of beef cattle and to provide full support for the resumption of shrimp exports from Belize to Mexico. In addition, a new opportunity for Belize to export de-husked green coconuts was approved and the procedure to prepare protocols for the export of soybean and soybean meal was put into motion.

The success of the ongoing bilateral agricultural cooperation between Mexico and Belize focusing on soursop, pitahaya, dragon fruit, soybean and coconut was also discussed and both Minister Mai and Secretary Villalobos committed to continue strengthening the agriculture cooperation program between the two countries.

Accompanying Minister Mai to Mexico City were Chief Executive Officer, Servulo Baeza; Managing Director of BAHA, Ms. Zoe Zetina; Director of Plant Health at BAHA, Francisco Gutierrez; and Chairman of BAHA Board of Directors and Programme Director for Diversification in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Hugh O’Brien.

The Belize delegation left Belize on Monday, June 12th, 2023, and returned on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023.