IICA Donates Agricultural Equipment to Ministry of Agriculture to Support Small Farmers Nationwide

IICA Donates Agricultural Equipment to Ministry of Agriculture to Support Small Farmers Nationwide

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) today officially handed over a set of agricultural equipment to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE). The donation aims to enhance the capacity of small farmers across Belize by supporting improved irrigation systems, pest and disease prevention, and technology transfer in the field.

This timely support follows a series of workshops facilitated by IICA, which targeted smallholder farmers and focused on the implementation of best practices in agriculture, as well as the adoption of appropriate technologies to increase productivity and resilience.

The equipment was received on behalf of the Ministry by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Servulo Baeza, who expressed gratitude to IICA for its ongoing partnership and commitment to strengthening Belize’s agricultural sector.

The donated equipment will be distributed to small farmers across the country in coordination with MAFSE’s district offices and extension services. The Ministry continues to prioritize initiatives that empower rural communities and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Minister Jose Abelardo Mai Concludes Two Day Citrus and Coconut Industry Tour in Southern Belize

Minister Jose Abelardo Mai Concludes Two Day Citrus and Coconut Industry Tour in Southern Belize

Belmopan, Belize – Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, completed a two-day tour of the citrus and coconut industries in southern Belize, aimed at strengthening the Ministry’s engagement with key stakeholders and exploring the current status, challenges, and opportunities for revitalization and growth in both sectors.

The tour commenced on Day One with visits to citrus and coconut farms across the southern region. The primary objective was to gain firsthand insight into the citrus industry’s recovery efforts following recent challenges, to assess the support needed by stakeholders, and to observe technological advancements being implemented for improved production and disease management. The coconut farm visits were focused on understanding the current acreage under cultivation and identifying the major issues and constraints facing coconut growers in the area.

Accompanying the Minister were CEO Mr. Servulo Baeza, Senior Adviser Mr. Hugh O’Brien, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Victoriano Pascual, Mr. Jose Novelo Project Execution Unit and Mr. Enrique Rivas.

On the second day, the delegation visited Silk Grass Farms, where they toured the farm and processing facility and engaged in productive discussions with the management team to better understand their integrated operations. The tour continued to TexBel Farms, a key player in both the citrus and coconut industries, to further dialogue on strategies for development and collaboration.

Throughout the two-day engagement, Minister Mai and his team emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to building resilience, improving productivity, and supporting climate change adaptation across the agriculture sector. Discussions also covered the need for greater access to financing, the importance of adopting best practices in pest and disease mitigation, and the promotion of innovation and investment to revitalize these vital industries.

The Ministry remains dedicated to supporting the citrus and coconut industries as part of its broader mission to achieve food security, enhance rural livelihoods, and ensure sustainable agricultural development in Belize.

MAFSE holds Onion meeting with Farmers and Stakeholders to Review Progress and Challenges

MAFSE holds Onion meeting with Farmers and Stakeholders to Review Progress and Challenges!!
May 22, 2025
Onion producers from across Corozal and Belize Districts gathered at the Corozal Methodist School conference room for the Second Onion Production Meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise. The session focused on reviewing production progress, evaluating storage capacity, examining market prices, and addressing the major challenges currently affecting onion cultivation.
According to the latest production update, onion harvest is presently active only in Corozal and Belize Districts, with projections indicating a June 2025 harvest of approximately 32,000 pounds from 3 acres of cultivated land, 1.3 acres of white onions expected to yield 14,500 pounds, and 1.7 acres of yellow onions producing 17,500 pounds.
In the Bomba area, an additional 1 acre of onions is still in the field, consisting of 0.3 acres of white onions and 0.7 acres of yellow onions, with an estimated yield of 15,000 pounds. No purple onions are currently planted in any of the regions.
To date, the actual harvest recorded stands at 12,963 bags, totaling an impressive 648,150 pounds of onions, marking a productive season for the country’s onion industry. This data highlights the potential of onion farming and the need for continuous coordination among producers and stakeholders to sustain growth.
During the meeting, Mr. Joe Lisbey from the Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) project presented a marketing strategy for onions, aimed at improving market access, preventing oversupply, and stabilizing farm-gate prices.
Stakeholders emphasized that climate conditions remain a significant challenge, particularly in the form of pest and fungal outbreaks, which threaten crop quality and yield if not properly managed.
Also in attendance were Dr. Geraldo Flowers from the Resilience Rural Belize, Mr. Serjio Tillett from the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC), Mr. Andrew Mejia, Director of Extension Services, and technical officers from the Ministry’s Extension and Policy Unit.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with producers to address challenges in production, storage, and marketing. By strengthening technical support and promoting informed planning.

Winners Announced for the 2025 National School Garden Competition

Winners Announced for the 2025 National School Garden Competition
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 National Agriculture and Trade Show School Garden (NATS-SG) Competition. This year’s competition saw the participation of 30 schools across the country, all of which displayed dedication, creativity, and passion in promoting sustainable agriculture through school gardening.
Primary School Category Winners:
• 1st Place – San Victor R.C. School (Corozal District)
• 2nd Place – San Antonio Government School (Corozal District)
• 3rd Place – Sandy Creek Academy (Stann Creek District)
• 4th Place – Chan Chen Government School (Corozal District)
• 5th Place – Bullet Tree Seventh Day Adventist School (Cayo District)
High School Category Winners:
• 1st Place – Belize High School of Agriculture (Orange Walk District)
• 2nd Place –Belmopan Comprehensive School (Cayo District)
• 3rd Place – New Hope High School (Orange Walk District)
The first and second place winners will be officially awarded at the Opening Ceremony of the National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) on May 30th, 2025.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all 30 participating schools for their hard work and commitment to agricultural education. Special thanks go out to the students, teachers, and parents whose teamwork and enthusiasm brought each garden to life.
We also recognize and thank our dedicated judges and extension officers across the country for their invaluable support and contribution to the successful execution of this national event. As we close this year’s competition, we look forward to an even greater School Garden Competition in 2026. Let us continue nurturing young minds through agriculture and growing a greener Belize together.

Empowering Farmers Through Market Oriented Agriculture SHEP Program in Action

The Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) program, a market-oriented approach to farming, is currently being implemented in Belize with a focus on transforming the mindset of farmers to view agriculture as a business.
Today, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture had the opportunity to visit Mr. Carlos Eck, a dedicated farmer from Concepcion Village in the Corozal District, who is actively participating in the SHEP trainings. Mr. Eck, who has been passionate about farming from a young age, is currently cultivating a diverse range of crops including tomatoes, cabbage, onions, cilantro, carrots and watermelon.
Through the SHEP program, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to empower farmers by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions based on market demand. This includes training in crop selection, marketing strategies, and data-driven farming practices, all designed to improve productivity, increase income, and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Mr. Eck’s success is a testament to the potential of Belizean farmers when given the right support and training. The Ministry remains committed to working alongside farmers to ensure that agriculture becomes a viable, competitive, and profitable business sector in Belize.

Ministry of Agriculture and Nohol Agrosciences Host Livestock Training on Animal Nutrition and Pasture Management

Ministry of Agriculture and Nohol Agrosciences Host Livestock Training on Animal Nutrition and Pasture Management

Yo Creek, Orange Walk District — The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, in close partnership with Nohol Agrosciences of Mexico, successfully conducted a two-day training workshop focused on animal nutrition at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station.

The primary objective of the training was to build the capacity of livestock farmers, extension officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, and technical officers from the Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA) in the production of corn silage. Corn silage is an important animal feed supplement, particularly useful during periods of prolonged drought when forage availability is limited.

On the second day of the workshop, participants visited a model cattle farm in Trinidad Village, where they received hands-on demonstrations on critical livestock management practices. These included proper pasture establishment, pasture rotation techniques, pasture management strategies, the use of electric fencing, optimal stocking density, and pasture adaptability under varying climatic conditions.

A total of 87 livestock farmers benefited directly from the two days of intensive, practical training, equipping them with improved knowledge and techniques to strengthen the resilience and productivity of their farming operations.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise continues to prioritize partnerships and training initiatives aimed at supporting livestock farmers in adopting climate-resilient and sustainable practices.

Pre Visits Underway for National School Garden Competition

Pre-Visits Underway for National School Garden Competition
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, is currently conducting pre-visits to schools participating in the National School Garden Competition.
These pre-visits are aimed at assessing the progress and impact of each school’s garden initiative as they prepare for final judging. The competition promotes hands-on agricultural education, environmental stewardship, and healthy eating habits among students.
Winners of the National School Garden Competition will be officially recognized and awarded during the upcoming National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) in Belmopan. This celebration highlights the efforts of students, teachers, and communities in advancing sustainable agriculture practices in schools across the country.

Belize Celebrates Progress of Farmers’ Organizations Through FO4ACP Project

Belize Celebrates Progress of Farmers’ Organizations Through FO4ACP Project

Belmopan, Belize — Over the past two years, 16 farming organizations (FOs) across Belize have received extensive training and support under the Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific programme (FO4ACP). This effort, celebrated at a project closing conference in Belmopan, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the role of farmers’ organizations in Belize’s agricultural sector.

Launched in 2020, FO4ACP aims to enhance the sustainability of farmers’ organizations by increasing incomes, improving livelihoods, and promoting food and nutrition security and safety for smallholder and family farmers across African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. Belize was selected as one of the Caribbean nations for the implementation of this important initiative.

The conference included opening remarks by key leaders, including Mr. Armando Aban from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Mr. Pedro Boareto of FAO; Ms. Javiera Flores from PROCASUR; and Mr. Servulo Baeza, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise. Discussions focused on the achievements and challenges faced by farmers’ organizations in building resilience and economic opportunities.

A highlight of the event was the overview presented by Mr. Pablo Olmeño of PROCASUR, which showcased the project’s activities and results in Belize. Farmers’ organizations shared their perspectives on how FO4ACP has improved their operations, advocacy capacities, and overall impact on local farming communities.

Additionally, Mr. Gareth Murillo, Registrar of Cooperatives and Project Focal Point for Belize, presented the National Advocacy Plan developed as part of the project’s outcomes, outlining the steps forward to maintain momentum and ensure sustainability of the gains made.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with FAO, PROCASUR, and the participating farmers’ organizations, reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger and more resilient agriculture sector, empowering farmers to be agents of economic growth and food security.

The conference concluded with closing remarks and a networking lunch among participants, celebrating the achievements under FO4ACP and discussing future opportunities.

Minister Jose Mai Chairs Regional Discussions on New World Screwworm Control at 93rd Extraordinary Meeting of CIRSA

Minister Jose Mai Chairs Regional Discussions on New World Screwworm Control at 93rd Extraordinary Meeting of CIRSA

San Salvador, El Salvador — Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, was currently in San Salvador chairing the 93rd extraordinary meeting of the Comité Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CIRSA), the International Regional Committee on Agricultural Health. CIRSA is composed of the Ministers of Agriculture from Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic and serves as the parent body of the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA).

The meeting focuses heavily on the control and eradication of the New World Screwworm (NWS), a serious pest that threatens livestock and agricultural productivity across the region. Each of the nine OIRSA member countries is presenting updates on the status of their national screwworm management and control programs, highlighting both strengths and challenges encountered.

Minister Mai, who currently holds the rotating presidency of CIRSA, is leading the discussions. Ministers are also working together to draft a regional eradication plan and a proposed budget, which will later be presented to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and other supporting agencies for potential funding and technical assistance.

During Belize’s presentation, Minister Mai reported that since the first detection of the New World Screwworm in Belize on December 26, 2024, a cumulative total of 63 cases has been confirmed. Notably, Belize has managed this despite no sterile flies yet being released in-country. He noted that the northern region remains largely unaffected, with no cases reported in the Corozal District and only two cases in the Orange Walk District. Importantly, no human cases have been recorded in Belize, unlike neighboring Nicaragua, where 94 human cases have been reported.

In comparison, Nicaragua leads the region with 121,177 cumulative cases, followed by Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras. El Salvador has reported 1,171 cases, mainly in pets, and Mexico has recorded 1,015 cases, including one human case. Guatemala, with 555 cases, reports the fewest after Belize, although concerns remain about the robustness of its surveillance systems.

Minister Mai credited Belize’s relatively strong performance to effective collaboration between the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA), cattle farmers, OIRSA, USDA/APHIS, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Belize’s delegation at the meeting included Chief Executive Officer Servulo Baeza, Senior Advisor and Chairman of Belize’s National Screwworm Coordination Committee Hugh O’Brien, and OIRSA Country Representative Fermin Blanco.

Minister Mai returned to Belize on Sunday following the conclusion of the meeting.

New River Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd Holds Annual General Meeting and Elects New Management Committee

New River Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd Holds Annual General Meeting and Elects New Management Committee

San Carlos Village, Orange Walk District — The New River Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd. successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, bringing together members to review the past year’s achievements and to set the stage for future growth.

A highlight of the meeting was the election of a new Committee of Management. The newly elected committee members are Gloria Corado, Gloria Pop, Hector Reyes, Atalio Santos, Carlos Barrientos, Maximiliano Corado, and Walter Hernandez. Their leadership is expected to guide the cooperative through another year of progress and development.

The AGM was coordinated by Cooperative Officer Mr. Francis Vega and included remarks by Mr. Gareth Murillo, Registrar of Cooperatives, and Mr. Hector Torres, Inspector of Cooperative Records. Both officials commended the cooperative for its continued efforts to strengthen member participation and for its contributions to the local agricultural economy.

The New River Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd. primarily focuses on the cultivation of onions, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, crops that play an essential role in enhancing food security and supporting the agricultural sector in the Orange Walk District and beyond.

The Cooperative remains committed to empowering its members, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in San Carlos Village and surrounding communities.