Belize joins Mexico’s efforts to combat Sugarcane Fusarium fungus, strengthen regional agricultural collaboration

Posted: Wednesday, July 9, 2025. 5:55 pm CST.

Belize Delegation at Pucté, Quintana Roo – Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: In response to an invitation from the neighbouring Mexican State of Quintana Roo, a high-level Belizean delegation led by Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai traveled to Pucté, Quintana Roo on Wednesday, July 9, to participate in discussions and field visits addressing the spread of the Fusarium fungus—a destructive disease threatening sugarcane crops across the region.

The day’s activities were hosted by the Production and Sugarcane Quality Committee of Ingenio San Rafael de Pucté, in partnership with the government of Quintana Roo. Designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing and display active management techniques in Mexico, the initiative offered Belizean participants critical insights into containing the outbreak and safeguarding future harvests.

Minister Mai’s attendance signals Belize’s ongoing commitment to elevating the country’s agricultural productivity and forging meaningful ties with neighboring nations, especially Mexico. Throughout his tenure, he has prioritized regional partnerships that address shared challenges and unlock new markets—making his presence at today’s event a natural progression of those efforts.

Minister Mai was accompanied by CEO Servulo Baeza, senior staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, cane farmers, and agricultural technicians. Together, they engaged with Mexican experts on issues ranging from Fusarium biology and containment strategies to crop resilience and soil management practices.

Field Visits for Real-Time Learning 

Following a technical presentation, the Belizean delegation visited surrounding sugarcane fields on the Mexican side of the Rio Hondo, near the San Rafael sugar factory. These visits offered a firsthand view of disease impact and allowed the Belizean delegation to observe best practices already being deployed.

With Fusarium now present in Belize, further engagement with Mexico is expected, as Belize continues its mission to find research-driven solutions for a healthier and more resilient sugarcane sector.

Photo Credit: MAFSE

Photo Credit: MAFSE

Photo Credit: MAFSE

Photo Credit: MAFSE

 

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The post Belize joins Mexico’s efforts to combat Sugarcane Fusarium fungus, strengthen regional agricultural collaboration appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Wednesday, July 9, 2025. 5:55 pm CST. Belize Delegation at Pucté, Quintana Roo – Photo Credit: MAFSE By Rubén Morales Iglesias: In response to an
The post Belize joins Mexico’s efforts to combat Sugarcane Fusarium fungus, strengthen regional agricultural collaboration appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.