Belmopan, December 1, 2023.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise hosted a National Beekeeping Symposium at Centro Escolar Mexico in the Corozal District on December 30. The event brought together a diverse gathering of experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts in the dynamic field of beekeeping from all over Belize and experts from Mexico and Guatemala.
The symposium served as a pivotal platform for discussions on the latest advancements in beekeeping, allowing attendees to share valuable insights and foster collaboration within the industry.
Among those present were Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government; and Hon. Ramon Cervantes, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management.
In his keynote address, Minister Mai welcomed the conversation on the beekeeping industry and addressed challenges faced by agriculture stakeholders, such as pests and disease, high cost of inputs, and climate variability. He emphasized that despite those challenges, Belize is doing well in food security. Addressing the Plan Belize mandate, he noted that most of the food consumed by Belizeans is grown in the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise is committed to promoting knowledge exchange and cooperation in beekeeping, recognizing its critical role in agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability. This symposium marked a significant step towards a more robust and interconnected beekeeping community.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Miguel Huertas
National Beekeeping Coordinator
614-7543
