By Zoila Palma: Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson says Belize’s rapidly expanding cattle industry is poised for even greater growth, with plans to establish a local meat processing plant that would create new opportunities for farmers and increase the value of the country’s beef exports.
Speaking during a Brahma breeding bull distribution ceremony at Central Farm today, Ferguson said agriculture continues to be the backbone of Belize’s economy, with the cattle industry now ranking as the country’s third-largest agricultural sector. He said the industry is expected to generate nearly $90 million in revenue this year, with most of Belize’s beef currently exported to Mexico and Guatemala.
Ferguson said the government’s immediate goal is to improve the quality of the national herd by making superior Brahma breeding bulls more accessible to small farmers.
Through the Ministry of Agriculture’s partnership with the Belize Livestock Producers’ Association, ten farmers were able to purchase quality breeding bulls at a subsidized cost of $2,000, with the Ministry covering the balance of the purchase price.
According to the minister, improving herd genetics is only the first step toward transforming the industry. He said that once a local processing facility is established, farmers will have a guaranteed market for their cattle while benefiting from higher-value beef products processed in Belize.
Ferguson added that the initiative will ultimately help expand the country’s estimated 206,000-head cattle population, increase farmers’ incomes, and further strengthen Belize’s livestock sector.
The post Minister Ferguson eyes meat processing plant as Belize’s cattle industry continues to grow appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson says Belize’s rapidly expanding cattle industry is poised for even greater growth, with plans to establish a local meat processing plant that would create new opportunities for farmers and increase the value of the country’s beef exports. Speaking during a Brahma breeding bull distribution ceremony at Central
The post Minister Ferguson eyes meat processing plant as Belize’s cattle industry continues to grow appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.