By Zoila Palma: Green Valley Oil is looking beyond Belize’s domestic market, with its management reporting interest from potential buyers in Guatemala and CARICOM countries following the opening of its soybean oil refinery in Spanish Lookout today.
The refinery is designed to process up to 12,000 litres of soybean oil daily and could supply approximately 60% of Belize’s cooking oil demand at full capacity.
The investment provides an opportunity to transform crude soybean oil produced locally into a higher-value finished product rather than relying primarily on exports of unrefined oil.
Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson said CARICOM countries have expressed interest in purchasing Belizean soybean oil, noting that Belize has become self-sufficient in soybean production. The country currently plants between 28,000 and 32,000 acres of soybeans annually, producing an estimated 50 million to 65 million pounds.
Green Valley Oil’s management said regional interest could open new opportunities for Belizean agricultural exports.
Senior Advisor Hugh O’Brien commended the farmers, CARDI and the Spanish Lookout community for helping advance the soybean industry.
The refinery forms part of broader efforts to increase local processing, reduce dependence on imported products and expand exports.
The post Green Valley Oil targets local and regional markets as Guatemala and CARICOM show interest appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Green Valley Oil is looking beyond Belize’s domestic market, with its management reporting interest from potential buyers in Guatemala and CARICOM countries following the opening of its soybean oil refinery in Spanish Lookout today. The refinery is designed to process up to 12,000 litres of soybean oil daily and could supply approximately
The post Green Valley Oil targets local and regional markets as Guatemala and CARICOM show interest appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
