Share

Belize calls for urgent action on pests, climate threats at IICA Summit in Costa Rica

Belize calls for urgent action on pests, climate threats at IICA Summit in Costa Rica

By Belize Live New Staff: Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai, actively participated in the 44th Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in San Jose, Costa Rica. Notably, he was nominated Rapporteur for the meeting, underscoring his leadership in the regional agricultural sector.

During the meeting, Minister Mai highlighted pressing issues facing Belizean and regional agriculture. He emphasized the detrimental impact of migration on Belize’s agricultural workforce, leading to production losses and increased labor costs in key crops like citrus, bananas, and sugarcane.

Minister Jose Mai Attends 44th Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee for IICA in San Jose, Costa Rica

He also raised concerns about climate change, detailing how erratic rainfall and rising temperatures are affecting crop yields and increasing pest and disease outbreaks. Mai urged immediate action to address the spread of New World Screw Worms, a significant threat to Belize’s cattle industry, and expressed solidarity with Caribbean nations impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

Minister Mai voiced strong support for IICA’s proposed Hemispheric Fund for Agriculture Resilience and Sustainability, aimed at bolstering regional resilience to natural disasters. He engaged in productive discussions with fellow ministers and stakeholders, exploring collaborative opportunities in research, innovation, and sustainable practices.

Accompanied by CEO Servulo Baeza, Minister Mai’s participation in the meeting demonstrates Belize’s commitment to addressing regional agricultural challenges and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.

Minister Jose Mai Attends 44th Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee for IICA in San Jose, Costa Rica

Read Also

Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic: Today’s race celebrates cycling excellence
Stepfather attacks stepson in Punta Gorda, young man left with serious head injuries
Belize tightens domestic flight security after shocking hijacking incident
Join our WhatsApp News Channel

Stay connected with Belize Live News for breaking stories, updates, and everything happening in Belize right now.

Trending Now

Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic: Today’s race celebrates cycling excellence
Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic: Today’s race celebrates cycling excellence
Stepfather attacks stepson in Punta Gorda, young man left with serious head injuries
Stepfather attacks stepson in Punta Gorda, young man left with serious head injuries
Belize tightens domestic flight security after shocking hijacking incident
Belize tightens domestic flight security after shocking hijacking incident
Border breakdown? Hijacker was previously in Corozal Free Zone without reentry clearance
Border breakdown? Hijacker was previously in Corozal Free Zone without reentry clearance

Popular Tags