Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2024. 9:18 am CST.
Minister of Health & Wellness Kevin Bernard
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: In his speech to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Minister of Health & Wellness Kevin Bernard emphasized the urgent need to amend the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act to include quarantine pests and notifiable pests of potential or substantial national economic importance. The proposed amendment aims to bolster Belize’s ability to manage and mitigate the severe impacts of agricultural pests and diseases.
Minister Bernard outlined the devastating effects various pests and diseases have had on Belize’s agriculture sector, which is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
“The story of the Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) and its effect on the shrimp industry was as drastic as greening was on citrus,” Minister Bernard said.
“However, the decline in shrimp production and exports was more rapid and steeper.”
Bernard said the citrus greening disease and Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) in the shrimp industry led to significant declines in production and export earnings. The citrus industry, once a top export earner, saw a drastic reduction from $108 million in 2005 to around $25 million per year due to citrus greening. Similarly, shrimp production plummeted from nearly 16 million pounds to 1-2 million pounds annually due to EMS, resulting in a severe drop in export revenues.
Minister Bernard also highlighted the impact of Fusarium disease currently affecting the sugarcane industry.
“A new disease caused by Fusarium is currently affecting about 40,000 acres of sugarcane in the north, with estimated damages to this year’s crop of about $19 million,” he said.
“If this trend continues, our long-standing sugar industry will face more severe challenges and the livelihoods of 5,000 plus cane farmers and their families will be severely affected.”
Fusarium wilt resistant Formosana 218 bananas variety grown by the Taiwan Mission in Belize as alternative in case Fusarium wilt affects banana industry – Photo Credit: Rubén Morales Iglesias
Minister Bernard also warned about the potential threats posed by Fusarium Wilt Race 4 disease and the New World Screwworm. Fusarium Wilt Race 4 could have devastating effects on the banana industry, which is already under threat in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. This disease could jeopardize $60 to $90 million in foreign exchange income from banana exports. Additionally, the New World Screwworm poses a significant threat to Belize’s cattle industry. If the disease were to enter the country, it could disrupt the booming cross-border trade with Guatemala and Mexico, potentially leading to losses exceeding $70 million per year.
“This Amendment to the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act, is elevating major pest and disease outbreaks in the agriculture sector to the same level as that of a national disaster,” Bernard said.
This change will enable the Government of Belize to strengthen support for controlling and eradicating these threats. The amendment will also facilitate emergency efforts under the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, improve coordination among national agencies, and enhance the recovery of the agriculture sector.
Minister Bernard stressed that this amendment will empower the agriculture sector and stakeholders to seek donor and soft loan support more effectively when faced with significant pest and disease threats. This financial support is crucial for addressing challenges that jeopardize industries of major economic importance, such as sugarcane, cattle, and bananas.
According to Bernard, the proposed changes reflect the government’s commitment to protecting the livelihoods of Belizean farmers and ensuring the resilience of the nation’s agriculture sector against future outbreaks. By recognizing agricultural pest and disease emergencies as national disasters, Belize aims to enhance its preparedness and response capabilities, safeguarding the economic stability and food security of the country.
Shrimp – Photo Credit: Ministry of Agriculture
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The post Minister of Health Kevin Bernard: Quarantine and Notifiable Pests to be included in Disaster Preparedness and Response Act to protect Belize’s Agricultural Sector appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2024. 9:18 am CST. Minister of Health & Wellness Kevin Bernard By Rubén Morales Iglesias: In his speech to the House of
The post Minister of Health Kevin Bernard: Quarantine and Notifiable Pests to be included in Disaster Preparedness and Response Act to protect Belize’s Agricultural Sector appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
