




Approximately 60 vegetable producers and Ministry personnel from across Belize attended a vegetable meeting on August 17th, 2023, at the Ministry of Sustainable Development Conference Room in Belmopan. The purpose of the meeting was to review the lessons learned from the recently concluded vegetable planting season, address issues related to vegetable production, and make plans for the upcoming planting season. Key points discussed during the meeting was standards for vegetables which was presented by the Bureau of Standards.
Vegetable Production Statistics for vegetable production throughout the year were presented, including issues related to importing vegetables and accessing markets. A report was presented on the activities of the Vegetable Interdiction Team, related to efforts to combat issues like contraband or illegal activities in the vegetable trade.
Discussion also included ways to provide technical and financial assistance to small-scale vegetable farmers, which is crucial for their success. The meeting addressed contraband and related matters, likely related to the illegal trade of vegetables across borders. The roles of the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise were discussed in terms of regulating market supply and demand. Consumer concerns regarding the quality of vegetable products were also part of the discussions, indicating a focus on meeting consumer expectations and ensuring safe and healthy vegetables.
Overall, the meeting demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing challenges and fostering the sustainable development of the vegetable sector in Belize.
To combat the issue of contraband in the agriculture sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise has established a standing Vegetable Interdiction Team (VIT) comprising officials from various government departments and agencies.
The VIT includes representatives from the ministry’s Extension Service and Supplies Control Unit, the Customs Department, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Belize Marketing and Development Corporation, and the Mobile Interdiction Team of the Police Department.
On July 24, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture; Servulo Baeza, CEO in the ministry, and members of the VIT held a meeting with farmers and producers from the districts of Orange Walk, Corozal, and Belize at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station in the Orange Walk District. During the meeting, concerns were raised about the increase in contraband activities, the presence of illegal vegetables and fruits in local markets, and the challenges farmers face in selling their products due to the competition with contraband items.
The VIT pledged to intensify collaborative efforts and increase the frequency and effectiveness of its operations. As a result of the increased surveillance and monitoring, the VIT has confiscated a significant quantity of contraband vegetables, including 1,278 pounds of cabbage, 2,253 pounds of onions, 983 pounds of tomatoes, 86 pounds of habanero peppers and 130 pounds of sweet peppers, valued at $16,190.40.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise reminds the public that acquiring illegally obtained vegetable products may result in the confiscation of such products and imposition of fines. The VIT will continue its heightened frequency of actions to ensure Belizean products are protected, and the ministry assures its unwavering support for farmers as they relentlessly work to ensure the food security of the nation.
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