Minister of Agriculture Embarks in a National School Garden Tour

The Minister of Agriculture Senator the Hon. Godwin Hulse has embarked on a National School Garden Tour from February through March 2020.

 The purpose of the tour is to allow the Minister to get a first-hand impression of the operations and standards of the school gardens.

 Over the past years, the Ministry of Agriculture has been supporting school garden programs by providing training for teachers and students on the operation of gardens, technical assistance and inputs as well as additional support.

 The Minister is being accompanied by personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

Completion Ceremony of the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project

Completion Ceremony of the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project

The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Belize jointly announce the successful completion of “The Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project” (The Sheep Project). A ceremony to mark the completion of the project was held on November 28, 2019, at the National Agricultural Show Grounds in Belmopan.

At the ceremony, the numerous accomplishments of the Sheep Project were highlighted. The greatest impact has been seen at the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center (known as the sheep barn) which is jointly operated under improved management conditions by the Sheep Project and is producing a diverse genetic stock of quality sheep. The barn infrastructure of a 400-sheep capacity was successfully developed with all of its related components of five manure conveyor sets and an elevator, as well as other infrastructure to enhance the operation and management of the sheep. Of critical importance is the introduction of quality sheep genetics of three popular breeds, namely Dorper, Barbados Blackbelly and Katahdin, successfully imported from the United States which are being managed at the breeding center for genetic improvement of sheep in the country. Several workshops were also held under the Sheep Project to help raise the professional knowledge of sheep producers countrywide.

The ceremony not only marked a historical milestone in the small ruminant industry but also the strong ties between the two countries. Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen shared with the participants that the draft agreement for the second phase of the Sheep Project, which will focus on the cooperation in breeding sheep and goat production and guidance system enhancement, has been presented to the Ministry of Agriculture. It will continue to strengthen the value-added production and market linkage in the sheep industry through the cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture.

There were approximately 100 persons in attendance at the ceremony, including representatives from the Embassy of Taiwan, Ministry of Agriculture, technical officers from Belize Livestock Producers Association, OIRSA, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, and sheep farmers. The Sheep Project started four years ago after the signing of an agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in December 2015.

Pictures of the event:

Launching of the Honey Production Redevelopment Support Project and Covered Structures – Support to Small Disadvantaged Farmers

Launching of the Honey Production Redevelopment Support Project and Covered Structures – Support to Small Disadvantaged Farmers

On Tuesday 3rd of December 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF) hosted the official launching of the Honey Production Redevelopment Support Project” and “Covered Structures – Support to Small Disadvantaged Farmers”.

The Ministry of Agriculture has identified beekeeping and vegetable production under protected covered structures as priority areas for development due to their high potential for enterprise development, economic opportunities for rural communities and their eco-friendly nature which coincides with the Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy GSDS (2015-2020) which calls for new and emerging sustainable ventures with good economic prospects.

The “Honey Production Redevelopment Support Project” formulated and funded in collaboration with Caribbean Development Fund (CDF) has come at an opportune time to support various beekeeping initiatives which will focus on capacity building and training of beekeepers and local personnel, establishment of demo apiaries, organization and infrastructural support with equipment and materials to undoubtedly enhance the industry.

The project main objectives are to:

· increase rural livelihoods options through beekeeping especially among women and youth;

· increase national production and productivity of beekeeping, and to increase the quality of honey and honey products through the promotion of standards and good operating practices.

The second project on covered structure funded also by the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF) which spans over two years’ aim is to continue enhancing the capacity and capability of our producers in covered structure technology for vegetable production. The completed thirty structures will cover an area of 27,000 square feet or 0.62 acres. The project will ensure the participation of women, youths, indigenous people and/or other disadvantaged groups.

The project main objectives are to:

· Increase the efficiency of vegetable production under covered structures by improving the construction, design and irrigation systems of at least 30 structures by the end of 2021.

· Increase capacity building of extension personnel and farmers involved in the production of vegetables under covered structures by hosting at least 2 workshops for at least 10 extension personnel and 50 farmers.

Pictures of the event:

Workshop on Coconut Production

Workshop on Coconut Production

November 25, 2019, The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Mexican counterpart – SAGARP through the Mexican National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries (INIFAP) concluded its three days training workshop on Friday November 22nd, on Capacity Building for the Improvement of Coconut Production and its Uses, at the Central Farm Station.

The three days’ workshop which covered a wide range of technical training materials was attended by coconut producers, technical personnel from Central Farm Station, Extensions Officers and representatives from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

Facilitators for the training were Dr. Feliciano Gerardo Balderas from the State of Nayarit and Ms. Matilde Cortazar Rios from the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. At the end of the day, the presentation of a certificate was issued to all participants who completed the training.

12th Regional Planners Forum and the 81st Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)

12th Regional Planners Forum and the 81st Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)

30/9/19: Belize City. The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with CARICOM Secretariat hosted the 12th Regional Planners Forum and the 81st Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Agriculture on September 30th to October 4th 2019, at the Belize Best Biltmore Plaza, Belize City.

The Regional Planners Forum was being hosted under the theme “Capitalizing on the New Frontier in Global Agriculture” which seeks to take advantage of new opportunities emerging in agriculture globally. The Regional Planners Forum has been an integral part of the regional agriculture planning and development since its inception.  The main objective of the Planner’s Forum was to provide a neutral platform for stakeholders to advance the discussion and build cooperation on matters of importance to regional agriculture enhancement.  Therefore, providing an opportunity to agree on directions and contribute to the development of policies and programs that capitalized on opportunities while addressing existing, imminent and emerging challenges.

This year’s forum offered an opportunity for Member States (MS) and development partners in the Region, to take stock of their collective efforts to promote sustainable agricultural development and the challenges in meeting these goals over the last decade. The Planners Forum played a critical role in furthering the Regional dialogue on agriculture.  Moreover, it was the single most important opportunity to convene key agriculture development leaders in the region to explore emerging sustainable, market-led agricultural initiatives, that are of critical importance at the national and regional levels. The Forum provided opportunities to identify approaches to combat climate change, explore climate financing in agriculture, and disaster risk reduction and building sector resilience. The general direction is one that focuses on strengthening climate change adaptation in agriculture, promoting trade through food safety and standards and creating nutritionally relevant food systems in CARICOM. The sub-themes for the Forum are further disaggregated as follows:

  • CARICOM Regional Agricultural Policy in Action
  • Capitalizing on Wealth Creation in Agri-Business
  • Propelling ICT and Innovation in Agriculture
  • Emerging Opportunities in Agribusiness

The week of activities included the hosting of the other regional bodies liked:

  • The 81st Special Meeting of COTED(Agriculture)
  • The 7th CARICOM Sugar Stakeholder Meeting
  • CARDI Board of Governors Meeting
  • CAHFSA Board Meeting and
  • CRFM Ministerial Meeting

At the core of the forum, the intent was to build strong local, regional and hemispheric partnerships, incorporating innovative approaches and fostering inclusive development, to offer enhancement opportunities to the region.

 

 

12th Regional Planners Forum and the 81st Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)

12th Regional Planners Forum and the 81st Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)

30/9/19: Belize City. The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with CARICOM Secretariat are hosting the 12th Regional Planners Forum and the 81st Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Agriculture from September 30th to October 4th 2019, at the Belize Best Biltmore Plaza, Belize City.

The Regional Planners Forum is being hosted under the theme “Capitalizing on the New Frontier in Global Agriculture” which seeks to take advantage of new opportunities emerging in agriculture globally. The Regional Planners Forum has been an integral part of the regional agriculture planning and development since its inception.  The main objective of the Planner’s Forum is to provide a neutral platform for stakeholders to advance discussion and build cooperation on matters of importance to regional agriculture enhancement.  Therefore, providing an opportunity to agree on directions and contribute to the development of policies and programs that capitalized on opportunities while addressing existing, imminent and emerging challenges.

This year forum offers an opportunity for Member States (MS) and development partners in the Region, to take stock of their collective efforts to promote sustainable agricultural development and the challenges in meeting these goals over the last decade. This Planners Forum will play a critical role in furthering the Regional dialogue on agriculture.  Moreover, it is the single most important opportunity to convene key agriculture development leaders in the region to explore emerging sustainable, market-led agricultural initiatives, that are of critical importance at the national and regional level. The Forum will also provide opportunities to identify approaches to combat climate change, explore climate financing in agriculture, and disaster risk reduction and building sector resilience. The general direction is one that focuses on strengthening climate change adaptation in agriculture, promoting trade through food safety and standards and creating nutritionally relevant food systems in CARICOM. The sub-themes for the Forum are further disaggregated as follows:

  • CARICOM Regional Agricultural Policy in Action
  • Capitalizing on Wealth Creation in Agri-Business
  • Propelling ICT and Innovation in Agriculture
  • Emerging Opportunities in Agribusiness

The week of activities will also see the hosting of the other regional bodies to include the following:

  • The 81st Special Meeting of COTED(Agriculture)
  • CARDI Board of Governors Meeting
  • CARICOM Sugar Stakeholders Ministerial Meeting
  • CAHFSA Board Meeting and
  • CRM Ministerial Meeting

At the core of the forum the intent is to build strong local, regional and hemispheric partnerships, incorporating innovative approaches and fostering inclusive development, to offer enhancement opportunities to the region.

Launching of the Belize Parliamentary Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition

Launching of the Belize Parliamentary Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition

On the 29th of July 2019, the Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Godwin Hulse along with sister Ministries (Education and Health), Government Oppositions and Senators joined in the signing and Launching of the Belize Parliamentary Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex.

The Belize Parliamentary against Hunger and Malnutrition (BPAHM) was created under existing frameworks, the Meso America Hunger Free Program and the Hunger Free Latin America and the Caribbean initiative, which is a political commitment of the region countries towards eradicating hunger and malnutrition.

The Belize Parliamentary against Hunger and Malnutrition is being funded by the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) and executed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

Present for the BPHAM’s signing were: Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Patrick Faber, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Laura Tucker-Longsworth, President of the Senate, Hon. Senator Darell Bradley, Vice President of the Senate and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Senator the Hon. Carla Barnett, Leader of Government Business & Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration & Nationality, Senator the Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin, Opposition Senator Valerie Woods and Senator Osmany Salas, Hon. Abelardo Mai, Area Representative, Orange Walk South and Hon. Orlando Habet, Area Representative, Cayo North East.

Youths Engage in Agriculture Summer Camp 2019

Youths Engage in Agriculture Summer Camp 2019

The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Police Department is once again hosting its two weeks Youths Engage in Agriculture Summer Camp 2019. The event started on July 1st, 2019, with an opening ceremony held at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds, Belmopan.

Guess speakers at the event were the Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Godwin Hulse, Mayor of Belmopan His Worship Khalid Belisle, Chief Agriculture Officer Mr. Andrew Harrison and Mr. Linden Flowers Senior Superintendent of Police.

With an ageing population of farmers, agriculture needs to attract more young people, and through this medium, the summer camp initiated to improve the image of agriculture as cool, profitable and attractive career for youths.

Youths that are participating are from the various town and villages in the Cayo and Belize District. Activities for the two weeks event will cover field visits to Spanish Lookout, Central Farm and Banana Bank, a hands-on practical training for students and conclude with a kid’s rodeo on July the 13th, 2019.

The first annual Youth Engage in Agriculture (YEA) summer camp was held in August 2016 at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds, since then the summer camp has grown to attract as many as 260 students. The objective of the Ministry is to extend the summer camp to the rest of the various districts.

International Day of Cooperatives 2019

International Day of Cooperatives 2019

On the 05th of July 2019, the Cooperative Department under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture celebrated its 97th International Day of Cooperatives under the theme “Coops 4 Decent Work,” at the San Ignacio Welcome Center.

The aim of the celebration was to increase awareness of cooperatives. The day highlighted the complementary goals and objectives of the United Nations (UN) and the international cooperative movement in finding a resolution for the major problems addressed by the UN in strengthening and extending partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors.

This year’s theme is a fundamental mechanism for inclusion and social justice. Making decent work a reality for all is embedded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Considering today’s relatively high unemployment levels, particularly among the youth, increased job insecurity, and widening inequalities, the 2019 Coops Day theme is purposefully linked on “promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.”

In Belize, there are currently 66 active cooperative enterprises. Fifty-seven (57) of them are registered cooperatives, three are in a status called pre-cooperative, and the remaining six are aspirants in the middle stages of development. By industrial sector, 30 are engaged in agriculture, 17 in transportation, and the remainder spread over fishing, arts & crafts, consumer, and tourism, among others. Total members consist of 2,800, with most of them being male ranking from ages 31 to 40 years.

Cooperatives, as people-centered enterprises and key development actors, have a strong role to play in creating decent jobs and empowering local communities both economically and socially.

SMALL HIVE BEETLE – Advisory #4 Belize

Small Hive Beetle Advisory #4 Belize

The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is a scavenger and parasite of honey bee colonies. The beetle is native to Africa, but was introduced to the US (1996), Canada (2002), Australia (2002), Jamaica (2005), Mexico (2007), Cuba (2012), Salvador (2013), Nicaragua (2014), Costa Rica (2015) and Belize (2016) mainly by commercial movement of bees. It is highly suspected that the incursion of the small hive beetle into northern Belize is due to the illegal trade of Honey Bee products, equipment and materials.

Considered a minor pest in its home range, the small hive beetle has become a major problem in introduced areas. Both adult and larval beetles feed on larvae, pollen, honey and bee brood. The adult female lays her eggs in the hive. The larvae hatch and feed on brood, pollen and honey, then leave the hive to pupate in the soil, where the adults hatch, then fly to look for new hives. Spread can therefore be rapid, as the adults have a range of approximately 13 kilometers. When infestation is heavy, the bees may desert the hive.

A good management by beekeepers is necessary to protect against A. tumida. Maintenance of strong colonies and good husbandry are key elements. Therefore, the most effective control against small hive beetle is maintaining colony strength, coupled with minimizing empty frames of comb, reducing small hive beetle population with the placement of traps containing a broad spectrum insecticide only accessible by the small hive beetle and to discontinue the illegal importation of Honey Bee products, equipment and materials. The diagnosis is made by identifying adult beetles in the hive.

The Ministry of Agriculture in coordination with BAHA and OIRSA will continue providing support to beekeepers in the control of this devastating pest.

Beekeepers are advised to contact Mr. Mario Howe (626-6059) of The Ministry of Agriculture or Dr. Joe Myers (601-6890) of BAHA for any further information.