Empowering Farmers Through Market Oriented Agriculture SHEP Program in Action

The Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) program, a market-oriented approach to farming, is currently being implemented in Belize with a focus on transforming the mindset of farmers to view agriculture as a business.
Today, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture had the opportunity to visit Mr. Carlos Eck, a dedicated farmer from Concepcion Village in the Corozal District, who is actively participating in the SHEP trainings. Mr. Eck, who has been passionate about farming from a young age, is currently cultivating a diverse range of crops including tomatoes, cabbage, onions, cilantro, carrots and watermelon.
Through the SHEP program, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to empower farmers by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions based on market demand. This includes training in crop selection, marketing strategies, and data-driven farming practices, all designed to improve productivity, increase income, and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Mr. Eck’s success is a testament to the potential of Belizean farmers when given the right support and training. The Ministry remains committed to working alongside farmers to ensure that agriculture becomes a viable, competitive, and profitable business sector in Belize.

Ministry of Agriculture and Nohol Agrosciences Host Livestock Training on Animal Nutrition and Pasture Management

Ministry of Agriculture and Nohol Agrosciences Host Livestock Training on Animal Nutrition and Pasture Management

Yo Creek, Orange Walk District — The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, in close partnership with Nohol Agrosciences of Mexico, successfully conducted a two-day training workshop focused on animal nutrition at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station.

The primary objective of the training was to build the capacity of livestock farmers, extension officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, and technical officers from the Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA) in the production of corn silage. Corn silage is an important animal feed supplement, particularly useful during periods of prolonged drought when forage availability is limited.

On the second day of the workshop, participants visited a model cattle farm in Trinidad Village, where they received hands-on demonstrations on critical livestock management practices. These included proper pasture establishment, pasture rotation techniques, pasture management strategies, the use of electric fencing, optimal stocking density, and pasture adaptability under varying climatic conditions.

A total of 87 livestock farmers benefited directly from the two days of intensive, practical training, equipping them with improved knowledge and techniques to strengthen the resilience and productivity of their farming operations.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise continues to prioritize partnerships and training initiatives aimed at supporting livestock farmers in adopting climate-resilient and sustainable practices.

Pre Visits Underway for National School Garden Competition

Pre-Visits Underway for National School Garden Competition
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, is currently conducting pre-visits to schools participating in the National School Garden Competition.
These pre-visits are aimed at assessing the progress and impact of each school’s garden initiative as they prepare for final judging. The competition promotes hands-on agricultural education, environmental stewardship, and healthy eating habits among students.
Winners of the National School Garden Competition will be officially recognized and awarded during the upcoming National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) in Belmopan. This celebration highlights the efforts of students, teachers, and communities in advancing sustainable agriculture practices in schools across the country.

Belize Celebrates Progress of Farmers’ Organizations Through FO4ACP Project

Belize Celebrates Progress of Farmers’ Organizations Through FO4ACP Project

Belmopan, Belize — Over the past two years, 16 farming organizations (FOs) across Belize have received extensive training and support under the Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific programme (FO4ACP). This effort, celebrated at a project closing conference in Belmopan, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the role of farmers’ organizations in Belize’s agricultural sector.

Launched in 2020, FO4ACP aims to enhance the sustainability of farmers’ organizations by increasing incomes, improving livelihoods, and promoting food and nutrition security and safety for smallholder and family farmers across African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. Belize was selected as one of the Caribbean nations for the implementation of this important initiative.

The conference included opening remarks by key leaders, including Mr. Armando Aban from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Mr. Pedro Boareto of FAO; Ms. Javiera Flores from PROCASUR; and Mr. Servulo Baeza, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise. Discussions focused on the achievements and challenges faced by farmers’ organizations in building resilience and economic opportunities.

A highlight of the event was the overview presented by Mr. Pablo Olmeño of PROCASUR, which showcased the project’s activities and results in Belize. Farmers’ organizations shared their perspectives on how FO4ACP has improved their operations, advocacy capacities, and overall impact on local farming communities.

Additionally, Mr. Gareth Murillo, Registrar of Cooperatives and Project Focal Point for Belize, presented the National Advocacy Plan developed as part of the project’s outcomes, outlining the steps forward to maintain momentum and ensure sustainability of the gains made.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with FAO, PROCASUR, and the participating farmers’ organizations, reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger and more resilient agriculture sector, empowering farmers to be agents of economic growth and food security.

The conference concluded with closing remarks and a networking lunch among participants, celebrating the achievements under FO4ACP and discussing future opportunities.

Minister Jose Mai Chairs Regional Discussions on New World Screwworm Control at 93rd Extraordinary Meeting of CIRSA

Minister Jose Mai Chairs Regional Discussions on New World Screwworm Control at 93rd Extraordinary Meeting of CIRSA

San Salvador, El Salvador — Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, was currently in San Salvador chairing the 93rd extraordinary meeting of the Comité Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CIRSA), the International Regional Committee on Agricultural Health. CIRSA is composed of the Ministers of Agriculture from Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic and serves as the parent body of the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA).

The meeting focuses heavily on the control and eradication of the New World Screwworm (NWS), a serious pest that threatens livestock and agricultural productivity across the region. Each of the nine OIRSA member countries is presenting updates on the status of their national screwworm management and control programs, highlighting both strengths and challenges encountered.

Minister Mai, who currently holds the rotating presidency of CIRSA, is leading the discussions. Ministers are also working together to draft a regional eradication plan and a proposed budget, which will later be presented to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and other supporting agencies for potential funding and technical assistance.

During Belize’s presentation, Minister Mai reported that since the first detection of the New World Screwworm in Belize on December 26, 2024, a cumulative total of 63 cases has been confirmed. Notably, Belize has managed this despite no sterile flies yet being released in-country. He noted that the northern region remains largely unaffected, with no cases reported in the Corozal District and only two cases in the Orange Walk District. Importantly, no human cases have been recorded in Belize, unlike neighboring Nicaragua, where 94 human cases have been reported.

In comparison, Nicaragua leads the region with 121,177 cumulative cases, followed by Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras. El Salvador has reported 1,171 cases, mainly in pets, and Mexico has recorded 1,015 cases, including one human case. Guatemala, with 555 cases, reports the fewest after Belize, although concerns remain about the robustness of its surveillance systems.

Minister Mai credited Belize’s relatively strong performance to effective collaboration between the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA), cattle farmers, OIRSA, USDA/APHIS, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Belize’s delegation at the meeting included Chief Executive Officer Servulo Baeza, Senior Advisor and Chairman of Belize’s National Screwworm Coordination Committee Hugh O’Brien, and OIRSA Country Representative Fermin Blanco.

Minister Mai returned to Belize on Sunday following the conclusion of the meeting.

New River Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd Holds Annual General Meeting and Elects New Management Committee

New River Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd Holds Annual General Meeting and Elects New Management Committee

San Carlos Village, Orange Walk District — The New River Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd. successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, bringing together members to review the past year’s achievements and to set the stage for future growth.

A highlight of the meeting was the election of a new Committee of Management. The newly elected committee members are Gloria Corado, Gloria Pop, Hector Reyes, Atalio Santos, Carlos Barrientos, Maximiliano Corado, and Walter Hernandez. Their leadership is expected to guide the cooperative through another year of progress and development.

The AGM was coordinated by Cooperative Officer Mr. Francis Vega and included remarks by Mr. Gareth Murillo, Registrar of Cooperatives, and Mr. Hector Torres, Inspector of Cooperative Records. Both officials commended the cooperative for its continued efforts to strengthen member participation and for its contributions to the local agricultural economy.

The New River Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd. primarily focuses on the cultivation of onions, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, crops that play an essential role in enhancing food security and supporting the agricultural sector in the Orange Walk District and beyond.

The Cooperative remains committed to empowering its members, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in San Carlos Village and surrounding communities.

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.