Training for Backyard Poultry Producers

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.

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC), and the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) in enhancing the agricultural sector and economic development in Belize.

The MoU signifies a collaborative effort among these key governmental agencies to achieve several important objectives: The MoU aims to facilitate the upgrade of Agrilinks, which is currently in use as a marketing tool. This upgrade will enhance its functionality, efficiency, and effectiveness in promoting agricultural products. The agreement seeks to increase the visibility of Agrilinks. This will make the platform more accessible and known to relevant stakeholders, including farmers, buyers, and consumers.

The collaboration between MAFSE, MED, and BMDC demonstrates inter-ministerial cooperation and coordination in achieving common goals related to agriculture and economic development. Enhancing the agricultural sector through better marketing tools and strategies can contribute to economic development in Belize by increasing agricultural production, revenue, and employment opportunities.

The signing of this MoU represents a positive step toward enhancing the agricultural sector in Belize, with the potential to bring about economic development, better marketing strategies, and improved opportunities for farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

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Evaluation meeting for Co-operatives Rapid Response Project

The evaluation meeting for the “Co-operatives Rapid Response Project” funded by GEF-SGP and executed by Belize Enterprise for Sustainable Technology and the Department of Co-operatives served several crucial purposes:

The primary purpose of the meeting was to assess whether the project achieved its stated objectives and goals. This involves a careful examination of the initial project proposal and comparing it to the actual outcomes to determine if they align.

Another important aspect of the evaluation was to assess how well the project aligned with the priorities and needs of the beneficiary co-operatives. This ensures that the project was responsive to the specific requirements and challenges faced by the co-operatives.

The meeting focused on evaluating the tangible results and outputs of the project which included measures like increased productivity, improved livelihoods for co-operative members, or enhanced co-operative capacity. These concrete outcomes demonstrate the project’s impact on the ground.

The evaluation process was intended to be thorough and impartial. The insights gathered from the evaluation will serve as valuable input for decision-making. The findings will help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding future projects, whether that involves scaling up successful initiatives, addressing weaknesses, or adjusting strategies to better meet the needs of co-operatives.

In essence, the evaluation meeting was a critical step in the project cycle, helping to ensure accountability, transparency, and the effectiveness of the “Co-operatives Rapid Response Project.” It aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s impact and its alignment with the co-operatives’ priorities and needs, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the co-operative sector in Belize.

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Training 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.

Minister Mai visit Production Facilities in the Belize and Orange Walk District

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.
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Silvopastoral Systems in Livestock Management Workshop

A workshop on Silvopastoral Systems in Livestock Management was conducted for some 20 livestock producers in Orange Walk District. Profesor Adan Velasquez, a Colombian expert in the area of livestock management, conducted the workshop. The workshop included a visit to a farm in the area where good practices in livestock management using silvopastoral systems are being used.
Livestock management has long been criticized because of the way trees are cleared to provide for pastures. With silvopastoral pasture management, livestock producers integrate trees and grazing livestock operations on the same land. These systems are managed to produce both forest products and forage for livestock, providing both short- and long-term income sources.

Signing of Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Public Service Union of Belize

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Public Service Union of Belize (PSU). A total of 114 employees, including public officers who were transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture in 2000, will benefit from this Agreement.
This Agreement will increase productivity and foster reliable and efficient service to the public; as well strengthen the procedures that promote fairness and equal opportunity in the workplace; the agreement will also provide new and improved benefits such as housing, meal and incentive allowances, tiered severance pay, merit-based awards, grievance procedures, professional development and workplace safety; and maintain and further the good relations existing between BAHA and PSU.
BAHA congratulates staff on this achievement and commends them for their continuous commitment to the fulfilment of the BAHA mandate and service to Belize.

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.

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.