To continue to provide relevant technical assistance to farmers in the Districts.

Mission

The mission is to facilitate the development of knowledge and understanding generated not only through traditional research, but also knowledge and technical know-how developed through experiences that will enhance agriculture and the quality of life of rural communities

The Agricultural Department is considered the primary provider of the extension agricultural extension service which was introduced in Belize in the 1920s. The main goal of the department is to train and build capacity among agricultural producers, women, and youth of the rural areas of Belize. The focus is to enable producers to organize themselves, form exchange groups, consolidate agro-commercial businesses, and develop strategic alliances with other social groups to meet the challenges of market competition and scarce natural resources.

Objectives are:

• Strengthening the agricultural initiatives through community organization and increase the efficiency of agriculture production so that the farmers can have better returns.

• Facilitate the development of proposals, strategic alliances, and new organizations. At the same time, facilitate the interchange of experiences, knowledge, and information that will strengthen the capacity of rural stakeholders to develop new proposals and organization.

• Increase the efficiency of agricultural production so that the farmers can reap the highest returns from efforts.

• Promote individual and group skills to decide over non-renewable resource issues.

• Implement programs that improve the efficiency of marketing and the use of farm produce.

• Promote the best use and conservation of natural, human, social, and economic resources of Belize.

• Train and build capacity among rural families to effect adequate adjustments to address the needs of their socio-economic conditions.

• Facilitate the development of information systems and capacity building that will enable producers to stay informed with technical information about markets and agricultural policies that can affect them.

• Establish a long-term educational process in consultation with community leaders and stakeholders to address problems, needs and seek solutions through activities that promote the best use and conservation of natural, human, social, and economic resources that will lead to a better quality of life.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise farmers on the techniques and technology used in agricultural production. This includes inter alia; introducing new varieties of crops and efficient crop husbandry, proper use of fertilizers and other agrochemicals, post-harvest/handling of crops, livestock husbandry, and related farming activities.
• Promote a commodity or commodities to farmers
• Organize and conduct training for farmers through farm visits, seminars, workshops, demonstrations, field trips, and meetings using a participatory approach.
• Work with marketing, credit, research, and regulatory institutions to incorporate them in the agriculture production system.
• Collect and provide statistical data pertaining to crops, livestock, and agro-processing.
• Assist with the promotion of school gardening and related agriculture education programs

The Districts contacts are as follows: