What's Happening?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries in Belize has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). The agreement focuses on cooperation in research
across various commodities, including coconuts. CARDI, a regional body headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, has been contributing to agricultural research and innovation in Belize since 1975. The MoU aims to enhance technology transfer and support the CARICOM initiative to reduce the region's food import bill by 25% by 2025.
Why It's Important?
This MoU is significant for Belize's agricultural sector as it promises to bolster research and development, potentially leading to increased productivity and sustainability. By focusing on technology transfer and innovation, the agreement could help local farmers and agribusinesses improve their practices and outputs. The initiative to reduce food imports aligns with broader regional goals of food security and economic independence, which could have long-term benefits for Belize and its neighboring countries.
