Posted: Wednesday, December 27, 2023. 11:36 am CST.
Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy Belize
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) have been working together to control the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), a serious threat to crops around the world.
“We are excited to share about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ongoing partnership with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) for top-notch management of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), one of the world’s most destructive agricultural pests,” the U.S. Embassy Belize wrote in a social media post.
“Together, we’re fortifying barriers against the transport of this invasive fruit pest, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting agricultural production in the region.”
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), the Medfly was first detected in Belize in 1987. Since then Belize has had sporadic outbreaks, but the Medfly never established itself in the country.
“All outbreaks have been successfully eradicated and to date Belize remains Medfly free,” MAFSE said
The U.S. Embassy in Belize said that through the partnership they are keeping Belize free of the Medfly by monitoring traps and the transportation of host fruits.
The U.S. Embassy Belize also said that under the partnership, they plan to upgrade the Jalacte facility in the Toledo District which is an entry point for trade with Guatemala. The upgrading will improve the collaboration the USDA and BAHA have maintained at that border facility.
Being free of the invasive pest, the efforts to contain the Medfly’s entrance into Belize are vital for the country’s agricultural base.
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The post U.S. Department of Agriculture, Belize Agricultural Health Authority continue collaborative efforts to keep Belize free of Mediterranean fruit fly appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, December 27, 2023. 11:36 am CST. Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy Belize By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Belize Agricultural
The post U.S. Department of Agriculture, Belize Agricultural Health Authority continue collaborative efforts to keep Belize free of Mediterranean fruit fly appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.