Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques for Optimizing Fertilizer and Use Efficiency in Rainfed Agriculture Systems

A five-day training session is being held at Central Farm on the use of Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques for Optimizing Fertilizer and Use Efficiency in Rainfed Agriculture Systems.
The primary goal of this training is to educate participants on the application of Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques (NIT) in agricultural practices. These techniques will help in optimizing fertilizer use and improving crop water use efficiency in rainfed agriculture systems.
One of the central objectives is to reduce the use of pesticides.
This reduction in pesticide use will contribute to minimizing water contamination and reducing crop losses caused by pests and diseases. This has important implications for environmental sustainability and the protection of water resources.
The training is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Ministry of Agriculture, CARDI, UB, BAHA and SIRDI. The IAEA is involved in introducing NIT to enhance soil fertility and water management in rain-fed sugarcane and corn production systems.
The project emphasizes the importance of tracing agro-contaminants. This involves monitoring and assessing whether the application of chemicals in the fields leads to surface and groundwater contamination. This is crucial for identifying potential environmental risks and mitigating them.
The project will focus on assisting small-scale farmers, by improving productivity at the field level, and enhanced the socioeconomic standards of farmers.

Bee Training Workshop

Forty-four participants are involved in a bee training workshop organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise in collaboration with the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation for Development. This follows a honey industry evaluation held last week for the Orange Walk and Corozal districts.
Drs. Rodrigo Medellin and Priscilla de la Torre have conducted the evaluation session and are now conducting the sessions. The participants include 8 MAFSE technicians, 2 RRB technicians, 2 teachers from the Belize High School of Agriculture, 15 UB students,
and 17 Beekeepers. Topics include Bee Biology, Beekeeping Management, Good Practices for the Production, Management and Packaging of Honey (BPPMyEM), Traceability of honey, Diversification of the different by-products of the hive, and the Impact of Climate Change on Beekeeping, Rearing Queen Bees, and Prevention and Control of the main diseases in Bees.
This project aims to revitalize the bee and honey industries in Belize. AMEXCID works hand in hand with MAFSE as both countries pursue bilateral cooperation agreements.

World Bank Vice President for the Latin America and Caribbean Region Visit Valley Peace

World Bank Vice President for the Latin America and Caribbean Region, Mr. Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, led a delegation today to visit farmers of Valley of Peace. The primary objective of his visit was to gain a deeper understanding of how the CERC Project had impacted local farmers.
During his visit, he gained a firsthand perspective of the commodities being produced and the conditions under which the farmers work. The visit provided Vice President Jaramillo with valuable insights into the realities farmers face on the ground.
Additionally, Mr. Jaramillo reiterated support for farmers in the face of climate change challenges. Agriculture is often disproportionately affected by climate change, and support from organizations like the World Bank is vital in helping communities adapt to these challenges.
The presence of Minister of Agriculture Hon. Jose Mai, CEO Baeza, and CEO Osmond Martinez at the event underscored the importance of this visit and signals a collaborative effort to address the issues faced by farmers in Valley of Peace.
The commitment from the World Bank and other stakeholders is a positive step towards sustainable development and support for the agricultural sector in Belize.

Beekeepers from San Felipe Village receive Training on Requirements of the Cooperative Act

Eleven beekeepers from San Felipe Village received training yesterday on the importance of organization and members’ responsibilities under the cooperative act. The purpose of the training was for members to understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of the cooperative.
The training, which was facilitated by Cooperative Officer Francis Vega, ensured that members receive the supports and guidance for development and success to empower beekeepers to work together effectively and be able to benefit from the cooperative structure.

Minister Mai Tours Wild Dog Food Manufacturing Facility and Golden Products Company LTD

Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Hon. Jose Mai had a whirlwind day yesterday 24th of August, touring two different production facilities, and officiating at a ceremony. The first visit was at the Wild Dog Food manufacturing facility located on the ¼ mile of the Burrell Boom Road. The company focuses on the production of dog food with high-quality ingredients procured from Belizean farmers. During the tour Minister Mai was briefed on some of the challenges the company faces, as well on the interest in exporting its products to Jamaica and other destinations in the future.
The second visit was at the Golden Products Company, Limited in Indian Creek, Orange Walk. The company is primarily engaged in papaya production. They currently cultivate 80 acres of papaya and have plans to expand production by an additional 40 acres. Notably, the company already exports its papaya products to the USA. Minister Mai had the opportunity to tour both the papaya fields and the processing facility, gaining valuable firsthand insights into the company’s operations.
These visits highlight the importance of the agricultural sector in Belize and the government’s interest in supporting and promoting local agricultural enterprises, as well as exploring opportunities for international trade and export for Belizean products.
Minister Mai was accompanied on his visits by a high-level team from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise and BAHA.

Diagnostic Evaluation of the Honey Industry

A ceremony to share the results of a diagnostic evaluation of the Honey Industry in the north was held yesterday 24th of August at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station in Orange Walk.
Dr. Rodrigo Medellin and Dr. Priscilla de la Torre, both experts in apiculture working with the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation for Development, AMEXCID, arrived in Belize on Monday 21st of August and went on a tour of apiaries in Corozal and Orange Walk, examining hives and checking on conditions of apiaries. They shared their observations yesterday during a brief ceremony attended by Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Jose Abelardo Mai and officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.
The analysis covered observations on bee behavior, hive characteristics, presence of diseases and pests observed and other observations such as apiaries and human contact. The results will be used to help determine the best way forward for the rehabilitation of the honey industry.

Diagnostic Evaluation of the Honey Industry in the North

A ceremony to share the results of a diagnostic evaluation of the Honey Industry in the north took place yesterday 24th of August at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station in Orange Walk.
Dr. Rodrigo Medellin and Dr. Priscilla de la Torre, both experts in apiculture working with the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation for Development, AMEXCID, arrived in Belize on Monday 21st of August and went on a tour of apiaries in Corozal and Orange Walk, examining hives and checking on conditions of apiaries. They shared their observations yesterday during a brief ceremony attended by Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Jose Abelardo Mai and officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.
The analysis covered observations on bee behavior, hive characteristics, presence of diseases and pests observed and other observations such as apiaries and human contact. The results will be used to help determine the best way forward for the rehabilitation of the honey industry.

Data Analyst of the Ministry of Agriculture attends Meeting in El Salvador

Mr. Gregorio Canto of the MAFSE Policy Unit is currently in El Salvador attending a meeting to evaluate price and agricultural market information. The event which is being organized and facilitated by the Central Region of the Market Information Organization of the Americas (IOMA) has participation of the seven member countries to support producers in marketing and agricultural markets.
The meeting was inaugurated by Salvador Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Oscar Guardado.
Since 2019, the IOMA did not meet in person due to the pandemic; however, its work did not stop because it was done virtually. Today they resume meeting face-to-face to continue giving the necessary tools and information to agricultural actors in each of their countries.
This meeting represents a valuable opportunity for sharing insights, best practices, and data related to agricultural markets, which can ultimately contribute to the growth and success of the agricultural sector in the region.

Training Session on the Management of Coconut Trees

30 coconut farmers are currently attending a three-day training session on the management of coconut trees at Julian Cho Technical High School in the Toledo district. The workshop was organized through a partnership between JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) the Ministry of Agriculture and the Toledo coconut farmers’ cooperative.
The training agenda covered a range of subjects related to coconut tree management, including Agro-ecological management, Integrated pest management for coconuts and the potential for marketing and processing coconuts in Belize. The event also included practical, hands-on demonstrations, such as the creation of compost, biofertilizers, and other organic fertilizers. This practical aspect helps farmers to apply these techniques in their own coconut farming practices.
The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to enhancing the resilience of agriculture in Belize, particularly in response to the recurring effects of annual hurricanes and floods. This suggests a focus on sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.
The training session is part of a broader project supported by JICA, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), the University of Belize (UB) and Kaihatsu Management Consulting, Inc (KMC).
The training session demonstrate a commitment to improving the coconut farming industry in Belize by providing farmers with knowledge and tools to manage their coconut trees effectively and sustainably while addressing climate-related challenges.

Vegetable Meeting

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.