By Belize Live News Staff: Jose Abelardo Mai, Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, played a key role at the 44th Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Executive Committee. Notably, he was nominated as Rapporteur for the meeting, a testament to his standing in the regional agricultural community.
Minister Mai provided valuable insights on the most 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 crucial sectors like citrus, bananas, and sugarcane.
The escalating threat of climate change was another focal point. Minister Mai detailed the adverse effects of erratic rainfall and rising temperatures on crop pollination and fruit set. He also raised concerns about the surge in pest and disease outbreaks, including the alarming spread of New World Screw Worms, urging immediate action from IICA and OIRSA to mitigate the risks to Belize’s livestock industry.
In a show of regional solidarity, Minister Mai expressed deep sympathy for Caribbean nations impacted by Hurricane Beryl and the subsequent damage to their agricultural sectors. He reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to supporting collective resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Minister Mai voiced strong support for IICA’s proposed Hemispheric Fund for Agriculture Resilience and Sustainability in the Americas. This innovative fund is designed to assist member states in recovering from natural disasters and building long-term resilience through sustainable agricultural practices.
The Minister’s participation fostered opportunities for strategic collaboration. He engaged in high-level discussions with regional counterparts and stakeholders, exploring avenues for joint initiatives in research, innovation, and sustainable agriculture. Minister Mai was accompanied by CEO Servulo Baeza, reinforcing Belize’s commitment to addressing regional agricultural challenges through strategic planning and policy implementation.
