Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2025. 11:26 am CST.
Press Release
Belize is hosting today the National Forum on Fusarium TR4 at Dream Valley Resort’s Conference Room in Teakettle Village. The forum brings together national and international experts, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders to strengthen Belize’s readiness to prevent and manage the banana disease Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4), which poses a serious threat to global banana production.
The event is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) with funding support from the Republic of China (Taiwan) through Taiwan ICDF, in collaboration with the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA). It forms part of the wider regional initiative, Proyecto FUSARIUM R4T, aimed at building the region’s capacity to address this agricultural challenge.
Delivering the keynote address was the Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, who emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, science-based solutions, and national preparedness. He also highlighted the significant progress Belize has made under the project, thanks to the support of partners.
The forum includes technical presentations covering:
- Taiwan’s successful strategies for controlling TR4,
- Use of rapid diagnostic tools like PCR and LAMP,
- Satellite imagery and canine-assisted disease detection, and
- Belize’s own TR4 preparedness plan.
One major accomplishment under the project is the field evaluation of three banana varieties, Formosana, Williams, and Gran Enano at sites in Central Farm and the banana belt in Stann Creek. The Formosana variety showed comparable results to traditional varieties, with two productive harvests yielding 212 and 245 bunches. These findings suggest it may be suitable for commercial production in Belize.
Minister Mai emphasized that protecting Belize from TR4 is not just about safeguarding banana farms, it’s about protecting the jobs, incomes, and food security of many Belizean families.
The Ministry extended sincere thanks to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its steadfast partnership, and to all the local and regional organizations who continue to support Belize’s efforts. This forum highlights the value of working together, farmers, scientists, and governments to ensure the banana industry remains strong and sustainable for future generations.
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The post Belize hosts National Forum on Fusarium TR4 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2025. 11:26 am CST. Press Release Belize is hosting today the National Forum on Fusarium TR4 at Dream Valley Resort’s Conference Room
The post Belize hosts National Forum on Fusarium TR4 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
