Chairman of the BLPA Board of Directors Arden Edwards (left) with Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson at the 47th BLPA AGM – Photo Credit: BLPA
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize Livestock Producers’ Association (BLPA) confirmed its 2026 Board of Directors during its Annual General Meeting held on 28 February at the BLPA Headquarters at Mile 47.5 on the George Price Highway. Arden Edwards remains as Chairman of the BLPA Board of Directors, continuing in the role he has held as the Association guides the growth of Belize’s livestock sector.
Jacob Redecop was elected to the Board, taking the seat previously held by Peter Fehr, who completed his term. Redecop joins a leadership team that blends long‑serving directors with those elected in recent years, maintaining continuity and stability within the organisation.
2026 BLPA Board of Directors
- Arden Edwards – Chairman
- Franza Rempel – Vice Chairman
- Kent Diaz – Secretary
- Darrel Tillett – Treasurer
- Luis Matute – Director
- Gerhard Penner – Director
- Leo Dueck – Director
- Jacob Redecop – Director
Tillett, Matute, Rempel, Penner, and Dueck continue to serve their terms on the Board. Redecop’s election completes the eight‑member leadership team for 2026.
The BLPA’s staggered‑term structure ensures that only some seats change in any given year, allowing the Association to preserve institutional memory and maintain strategic direction as new directors join.
BLPA Board of Directors – Photo Credit: BLPA
2026 BLPA Board of Directors
- Arden Edwards – Chairman
• Franza Rempel – Vice Chairman
• Kent Diaz – Secretary
• Darrel Tillett – Treasurer
• Luis Matute – Board Member
• Gerhard Penner – Board Member
• Leo Dueck – Board Member
• Jacob Redecop – Board Member (elected 2026)
Tillett, Matute, Rempel, Penner, and Dueck were elected in 2025, joining Edwards and Diaz, who were already serving. Redecop’s election completes the eight‑member Board for the 2026 term.
The staggered‑term structure allows the BLPA to maintain institutional memory, preserve strategic direction, and ensure that new directors are supported by experienced colleagues as they join the organisation’s leadership.
Minister Ferguson’s Remarks
Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson commended the BLPA for its leadership during a period of continued sector growth. He noted that Belize’s national herd increased to 206,079 head of beef cattle in 2025, up from 205,508 the previous year, and that exports reached 41,630 cattle, generating an estimated BZ $80 million. He also highlighted the rise in BLPA membership, which grew by more than 1,200 new farmers, and emphasized the importance of accurate production data to guide policy.
“I strongly encourage improved data collection — including informal slaughter activities — so that we can accurately assess production trends and make sound policy decisions for sustainable growth,” Ferguson said.
The Board will continue guiding the BLPA’s work in cattle production, export development, animal health, and sector policy as Belize’s livestock industry continues to expand.
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Chairman of the BLPA Board of Directors Arden Edwards (left) with Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson at the 47th BLPA AGM – Photo Credit: BLPA By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize Livestock Producers’ Association (BLPA) confirmed its 2026 Board of Directors during its Annual General Meeting held on 28 February at the BLPA Headquarters at
The post Arden Edwards continues to lead Belize Livestock Producers’ Association Board appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
