By Zoila Palma: A new chapter is unfolding for Belize’s cacao industry as Maya Mountain Cacao Ltd. moves toward becoming a farmer-owned cacao cooperative, giving more than 500 cacao farmers, predominantly from Southern Belize, the opportunity to become owners and democratic participants in the enterprise.
On Saturday, August 8, Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson, Rural Transformation Minister Oscar Requena and Minister of State for Economic Transformation Osmond Martinez met with the Management Committee of the transitioning Maya Mountain Cacao Cooperative Society Limited (MMCCSL).
CEO Emily Stone presented on the transition and the vision of placing the cacao enterprise directly in the hands of its farmers.
The transition builds on more than 16 years of investment, market development, infrastructure and relationships with farmers and international buyers.
Maya Mountain Cacao has established a market for premium Belizean cacao, with its products reaching specialty chocolate makers across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region while earning international recognition for quality.
The cooperative is expected to focus on maintaining and expanding international markets, increasing value-added processing, improving cacao production and quality, strengthening farmer participation and increasing the economic benefits received by farmer-members.
Strengthening governance, traceability and management systems will also be key to building a sustainable farmer-owned enterprise.
The three ministers pledged their support to the cooperative and its farmers, emphasizing the importance of expanding markets, promoting value addition and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Belize’s cacao industry.
The post New chapter begins for Belize’s cacao farmers appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: A new chapter is unfolding for Belize’s cacao industry as Maya Mountain Cacao Ltd. moves toward becoming a farmer-owned cacao cooperative, giving more than 500 cacao farmers, predominantly from Southern Belize, the opportunity to become owners and democratic participants in the enterprise. On Saturday, August 8, Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson, Rural Transformation
The post New chapter begins for Belize’s cacao farmers appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
