Belmopan, February 28, 2025.
The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) through Resilient Rural Belize (RRB), in collaboration with the Pesticide Control Board and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, hosted a certificate presentation ceremony” on February 28th, 2025, at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds Pavilion Building in Belmopan for 157 trainees from 16 producer organizations (POs) which included agricultural cooperatives and associations from across all 6 Districts. The Responsible Pesticides Management Training sessions (3 for each PO), inclusive of all material and supplies, were made possible via funding from the International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Government of Belize (GoB) at a cost of BZ$154,378.65.
Trainees who received certificates attended face-to-face sessions and participated in field visits/learning tours to gather knowledge and practical experiences in responsible pesticide management.
Participants covered key topics such as:
- Understanding Pesticide Labels – Interpreting labels, pamphlets, pictograms, and color bands.
- Pesticide Life-Cycle Management – Safe handling, storage, application, disposal, and the use of bio-beds.
- Field Application Techniques – Sprayer calibration, nozzle selection, and proper spraying methods.
To support practical application, each PO received:
- Bio-beds for safe pesticide handling and waste disposal.
- Container Collection Units for proper disposal of empty pesticide containers.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for safe handling and application.
- Chemical Storage Units for secure pesticide storage.
- Graduated Measuring Cups to ensure accurate pesticide dosing.
Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Mr.
Servulo Baeza, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Mr. Carlos, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development; and Mr. Gareth Murillo, Director of the Department of Cooperatives and Chairman of the Pesticide Control Board attended the ceremony.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Geraldo Flowers
Program Manager, Resilient Rural Belize
geraldo.flowers@med.gov.bz
