Posted: Friday, April 4, 2025. 10:24 am CST.
Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai, right, with regional ministers of agriculture – Photo Credit: Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE)
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The International Regional Committee on Agricultural Health (CIRSA) and the International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA) concludes their two-day meeting in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, on Friday after intensive discussions on regional agricultural strategies, governance, and biosecurity.
The event, held on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, has gathered agricultural leaders and experts from OIRSA member nations to address key challenges affecting the sector.
On Thursday, officials focused on the Regional Strategy for the New World Screwworm (NWS)—a destructive livestock pest impacting rural economies. Presentations detailed ongoing containment measures and future plans for eradication, followed by in-depth discussions on refining the strategy for maximum effectiveness.
Thursday’s agenda also centered on financial and administrative matters within OIRSA, including reports on the 2023 external audits of the organization’s headquarters, national representations, employee protection systems, regional projects, and agreements. These reviews were aimed at enhancing financial transparency and accountability.
CIRSA members finalized decisions on the selection of auditing firms to oversee OIRSA’s financial operations in 2024 and reviewed proposals from Oracle and SAP for the implementation of the new Administrative-Financial Management System (ERP). Officials analyzed the options before selecting the company best suited for the system’s rollout.
Additionally, the committee appointed OIRSA’s new Director of Administration and Finance, marking another significant step toward strengthening governance and efficiency within the organization.
Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai – Photo Credit: Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE)
The meeting concludes on Friday with the Ordinary CIRSA 2025 Session, during which agriculture ministers and secretaries are to review and sign official documents outlining the path forward in agricultural health policy. To close the event, participants will go on a cultural visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, highlighting Belize’s commitment to conservation and sustainable development.
Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai, Takes Charge as CIRSA’s New President
One of the key moments of the meeting was Minister Jose Abelardo Mai’s assumption of the CIRSA Pro Tempore Presidency on Thursday morning. Mai officially took over from Mexico’s Dr. Julio Antonio Berdegué Sacristán, who was recognized for his contributions during his tenure.
In his first speech as CIRSA president, Mai emphasized regional collaboration in agriculture, food security, and pest control. He highlighted Belize’s ongoing research with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) to develop a banana variety resistant to Tropical Race 4 Fusarium, a disease threatening regional banana industries.
Mai also reinforced Belize’s leadership in biological pest control, citing the Belmopan insectary’s production of key insect species used for managing agricultural pests, including the pink mealybug, sugarcane borers, and Lepidopteran pests.
With the meeting wrapped up, CIRSA-OIRSA officials now look ahead to implementing the strategies discussed, reinforcing commitments to food security, sustainable agriculture, and regional biosecurity.
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The post CIRSA-OIRSA Meeting concludes in San Pedro after two days of crucial agricultural talks appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, April 4, 2025. 10:24 am CST. Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai, right, with regional ministers of agriculture –
The post CIRSA-OIRSA Meeting concludes in San Pedro after two days of crucial agricultural talks appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
