CARDI Coconut Training Series – Photo Credit: MAFSNGI
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFSNGI) has announced the launch of Regional CARDI Coconut Training Series in Belize, aimed at strengthening the country’s coconut sector under the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative.
The program, delivered in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), marks the first of three capacity-building workshops designed to empower farmers, producer groups, and technical personnel. The sessions focus on good agricultural practices, crop management, pest and disease surveillance, and sustainable production methods tailored to coconuts.
CARDI Coconut Training Series – Photo Credit: MAFSNGI
According to Ministry focal point Enrique Rivas, the first session was held on Tuesday, November 25 in San Estevan, in collaboration with the Yo Creek Agriculture Station, serving participants from Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. About 20 people attended. The second session is scheduled for Friday, November 28 at CARDI Central Farm, covering farmers from Cayo and Belize Districts. The third session will take place on Monday, December 1 at the Ministry of Agriculture Field Station at 5 Miles, Elridgeville, Toledo, for participants from Stann Creek and Toledo.
All sessions run from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“These training sessions represent the first of three regional capacity-building workshops designed to empower farmers, producer groups, and technical personnel with practical knowledge and skills,” the Ministry stated.
CARDI Coconut Training Series – Photo Credit: MAFSNGI
In addition, Rivas noted that the Ministry will host Belize Coconut Connect 2025, a business-to-business fair at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds in Belmopan on Wednesday, December 3.
With global demand for coconut and coconut-derived products continuing to rise, Belize is expected to benefit from improved technical capacity and greater competitiveness in the market. The initiative seeks to increase productivity, generate new livelihood opportunities, and promote climate-resilient agricultural growth.
By prioritizing coconuts as the country’s chosen commodity under FAO’s OCOP framework, Belize seeks to position itself as a contributor to regional agricultural diversification and green economic growth.
“This collaborative effort represents a key milestone in advancing a robust and sustainable coconut industry in Belize,” the release added.
CARDI Coconut Training Series – Photo Credit: MAFSNGI
The post Regional CARDI Coconut Training Series begins with aim of boosting Belize’s coconut industry appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
CARDI Coconut Training Series – Photo Credit: MAFSNGI By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFSNGI) has announced the launch of Regional CARDI Coconut Training Series in Belize, aimed at strengthening the country’s coconut sector under the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) One Country One Priority Product (OCOP)
The post Regional CARDI Coconut Training Series begins with aim of boosting Belize’s coconut industry appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.