Stakeholders at the Validation Workshop for National Agriculture and Food Policy

The Mіnіѕtrу оf Аgrісulturе, Fооd Ѕесurіtу аnd Еntеrрrіѕе іn соllаbоrаtіоn wіth thе Fооd аnd Аgrісulturе Оrgаnіzаtіоn оf thе Unіtеd Nаtіоnѕ hеld a validation wоrkѕhор fоr thе drаft Nаtіоnаl Аgrісulturе аnd Fооd Роlісу in August 4 at Kiki Witz Resort in Belmopan, Belize.

The National Agriculture and Food Policy will support the government and sector stakeholders in addressing challenges such as food security, income generation, employment opportunities, and improvement of livelihoods in rural areas.

The policy seeks to promote sector development and generate public revenue for the national economy. The policy stems from the Plan Belize Medium-Term Development Strategy 2022-2026. 

The policy outlines several strategic initiatives to achieve the sector goal. These include:

• diversifying agriculture through the Blue Economy, new growth industries, and micro, small, and medium enterprises for food security and sovereignty, working towards import replacement and substitution as well as expanding export opportunities to enhance economic competitiveness; and
• focusing on rural transformation through infrastructure development, providing affordable and accessible financing options, improving essential services, and implementing climate-smart alternatives and natural resource conservation.

Overall, this comprehensive policy approach indicates a commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth of the agriculture sector in Belize. It focuses on innovation, technology and regional competitiveness, with an emphasis on supporting rural communities and promoting environmentally responsible practices.