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.

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.

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.

The “Honey Redevelopment Support Project” led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise and supported by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is making significant contributions to the beekeeping and honey production industry in Belize. The project has initiated the distribution of 25 bee colonies to new beneficiaries in several districts, including Corozal, Orange Walk, and Belize. One of the beneficiaries is the Belize High School of Agriculture.

In mid-November, the project plans to distribute more bee colonies to beneficiaries in the Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo Districts. This demonstrates the project’s commitment to extending its reach and impact. The primary objective of the project is to contribute to the revitalization and development of the honey industry in Belize. Beekeeping and honey production are vital components of this endeavor.

The project is particularly focused on supporting women and young people as beneficiaries. This approach is in line with efforts to empower and involve these demographics in the honey industry. The “Honey Redevelopment Support Project” is a commendable initiative that not only supports the growth of the honey industry but also promotes inclusivity by involving women and young individuals in this sector.

An Internal Auditing training was conducted for 23 public/private sector stakeholders, in Internal Auditing from a “train-the-trainers” perspective regarding the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard.

The objective of this training was to enrich the participants’ understanding of internal auditing, helping them enhance their quality management systems. Quality is highlighted as a continuous journey rather than just a goal. The focus is on maintaining high standards.

The workshop received funding from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CSME (Caribbean Single Market and Economy) Standby Facility program, which is financed by the European Union. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) managed the program, indicating their role in coordinating and overseeing the training.

Continuous improvement and adherence to quality standards are key for the success and sustainability of businesses and public entities.

Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, is leading a Belize delegation to the Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2023 (CWA) in Nassau, Bahamas, from October 9 to 13. The event is being held under the theme, “Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025.” 

 Minister Mai is accompanied by Servulo Baeza, CEO in the ministry, and a team from the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC), the marketing arm of the ministry. 

 During the CWA, leaders from across the Caribbean will participate in meetings and forums to discuss ways to mitigate pressing issues in agriculture for the region, focusing on food security. Minister Mai and CEO Baeza will participate in several meetings of regional bodies such as the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Board of Governors, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Ministers of Agriculture and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Ministerial Board.  

 The Caribbean Week of Agriculture also includes a tradeshow that will feature products and producers from all over the Caribbean region. The BMDC is representing Belizean producers with displays and samples of their products at the tradeshow.  

A training for backyard poultry producers was held at the Yo Creek Agric Station, with the goal of strengthening their capacity to prevent Avian Influenza. The primary objective of this training was to equip backyard poultry producers with knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and control Avian Influenza. This is crucial in safeguarding the poultry industry and bird populations in Belize.

The training sessions were led by a team of experts and professionals who have expertise in poultry management and disease prevention. This includes representatives from the Belize Poultry Association, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the Forestry Department, and Extension Officers from the Yo Creek Agriculture Station.

The training was specifically designed for backyard poultry farmers in the Orange Walk District, with around 40 participants attending. A similar session was conducted in Corozal for backyard poultry producers from that area. By targeting these producers, the training aims to reach those who may have smaller-scale operations and may benefit from increased knowledge and awareness.

The training emphasizes the importance of preventing Avian Influenza in Belize. The disease has been detected in some Central American countries, but Belize remains free from it. Avian Influenza can have severe consequences for bird populations, and it is essential to take proactive measures to keep it at bay.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise is working in collaboration with several organizations and agencies, including BAHA, OIRSA (International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health), and the Belize Forestry Department. These partnerships demonstrate a coordinated approach to disease prevention and awareness campaigns.

In addition to the training, the government is actively conducting public awareness campaigns and sensitization efforts to educate both the general public and stakeholders about Avian Influenza. This multi-pronged approach helps ensure that everyone is informed and involved in preventing the disease.

Overall, this training reflect a proactive stance by Belizean authorities to protect the poultry industry and bird populations from Avian Influenza. By building capacity among backyard poultry producers and raising awareness, Belize aims to maintain its Avian Influenza-free status.