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.

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.

Spanish Lookout Credit Union Grand Opening Ceremony

A grand opening ceremony was held today for the Spanish Lookout Credit Union (SLCU) in Spanish Lookout. The grand opening of this financial institution is a significant event for the community of Spanish Lookout which aims to provide a wide range of financial services to meet the needs of the community, including micro-enterprises, commerce, consumer banking, agricultural financing, housing loans, and educational support.
For over five decades, the Farmers’ Trading Center (FTC) had been the primary financial service provider for the community. However, as the businesses and the community grew, there was an increasing demand for more comprehensive financial services. The establishment of SLCU now offers the community a more functional and flexible option for conducting financial transactions.
SLCU’s mission is to not only provide services similar to FTC but to also enhance the range and quality of financial products and services offered. This includes a commitment to providing excellent customer service, competitive interest rates, and various benefits for its members and the broader community.
The presence of Minister Jose Abelardo Mai at the opening ceremony highlighted the importance of this event for the local community. His participation in the ribbon-cutting ceremony underscores the government’s support for this new financial institution.
A tour of the SLCU building was also provided to the guests with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the facilities and services offered by the credit union. The Grand Opening ceremony marks the beginning of a new era in financial services for Spanish Lookout, promising improved access and options for its residents and businesses.

Establishment a standing Vegetable Interdiction Team

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.

May be an image of fruit

May be an image of fruit, chard, collard greens and prickly pear

Sheep and Goat Production and Management Training

A very productive and informative workshop was held today for 35 farmers from the Toledo district. The workshop focused on various aspects of sheep and goat production and management, as well as culinary practices related to lamb and mutton along the value chain. The workshop was hosted by the Toledo Agriculture Department and facilitated by the Central Farm Livestock unit.
The training covered both theoretical and practical sessions from traceability, nutrition, health, silage preparation and femacha demonstration. These types of training enable farmers to understand the best practices for raising these animals effectively, providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge, and hands-on experience to implement the techniques as well enhance their productivity and economic prospects.