Belmopan. November 10, 2022. 5:00 p.m.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), in collaboration with the Taiwan ICDF Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Sheep Project Phase II), held an inauguration ceremony for the newly completed sheep barn at the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center in Central Farm, Cayo District on November 10, 2022.
The facility will improve the function of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center by increasing the capacity of barn infrastructure from 400 to 650 sheep. In addition, the related components of the new sheep barn, such as the gutter system (also known as a water harvesting system), will enhance the management and sustainability of water utilization. It is one of the main achievements so far of the Sheep Project Phase II.
In his remarks, Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, spoke about the growth of the sheep and goat livestock sub-sector and the success of the Taiwan Breeding Sheep and goat program thus far with increases in the quality of lamb and goat meats available for consumption due to better breeds and higher local production. He said there is much more to achieve as Belize keeps an eye on export market opportunities. Minister Mai also thanked the people and Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their generosity in helping agriculture grow in Belize.
The ceremony not only marked a historic milestone of the Breeding Sheep and Goat Project in Belize but also gives evidence of the strong ties between Taiwan and Belize. The governments of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are committed to working closely together to strengthen the sheep and goat industry of Belize by further bilateral cooperation in agriculture which will enhance the welfare of the Belizean people.
Also present at the ceremony were H.E. David Kuan-Chou Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and representatives from the Belize Livestock Producers Association, OIRSA, CARDI, IICA, the University of Belize, BAHA and the Pesticides Control Board.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr. Luis Pook, Communication Director
822-2131
