From the Editor - June, 2010 - (Beth Roberson) A country is somewhat like a business – there are things which one may like to do; nevertheless, periodically one must review goals, actions, progress, and financial realities- and then coordinate redirection and rededication to meet expectations.
Agriculture, has been described as ‘ the twin pillar which is [more] under our control [than tourism]’ by Beltraide’s Ms. Beverly Burke (NATS 2010). Ambassador Adelbert Tucker stated (Oct. 2009), “Belize must grow itself out of the recession.” Farmers and agribusiness people want to meet this challenge. Farming historically not being one of the most lucrative professions, however it is one upon which each of us is vitally dependent (requiring food). In Belize farming must become ‘good business’ in order for it to continue, expand to meet domestic needs, and GOB’s growing export expectations. Our neighbors, in both CARICOM and Central America and, yes, worldwide (see Bel-Car article page 15) increasingly gaze towards Belize, with arable land and water available to quadruple food outputs and be a regional breadbasket. Belize can and wants to meet those expectations.
Our international friends with expertise and budgets to assist us in developing our agricultural products and their exportability, are ‘wanting to assist us, willing to assist us, and waiting to assist us…’ (to borrow from Pygmalian). In some cases, they are also wanting, willing and waiting to purchase some of the resultant production. The GOB has been tasked to work on behalf of the Belizean producers who, in some sectors are wanting, willing, and waiting for GOB to finalize necessary paperwork for this to be proceed. As international phytosanitary and traceability paperwork can be done only by GOB and its subgroups, the Belizean producer is dependent upon, even more than in the past, to the goodwill and cooperation of GOB/MAF/BAHA, etc.
The ag sector acknowledges and appreciates that the workload of GOB has expanded, as they are required to perform many more ponderous health and certifying roles and even legislative roles, in addition to the marketing assistance that large and small producers are requesting and expecting. We thank and salute the hardworking GOB employees, meeting attendees, letter writers, general facilitators, and legislators within government who work long hours to accomplish this. However, some of the processes, without which the private sector cannot move forward, and with which GOB has been tasked, are behind schedule. Some private sectors, (upon whom GOB must depend as the private ag sector must fulfill the actual production role of the ‘twin pillar’), feel frustrated. Belize requires the agribusiness community to discern that it is good business for growth and investments in ag businesses in Belize. Productive sector and GOB, to function well and at low stress, must have harmonious relationship. Then business and the country at large will thrive.
Might GOB reexamine budgetary allocations for agriculture, and reconsider that they be made proportionate to the expectations from this ‘pillar’? Roughly 25 years ago, Agriculture received approximately 25% of the budget; current proposal for Agriculture? 1.4 % (that’s one point four tenths percent). Even that small percentage is an increase from 2006’s paltry 1.1% (one point one tenth percent). Is 1.4 % enough to support a GDP structural pillar that we expect to cover half of our GDP - is this logical? We can effect tourism growth, but we cannot ‘control’ it in the same way that we hold the reins to the cart of agriculture growth in Belize.
Our international contributors might well wonder "Why can’t we move more quickly to accept some the assistances they generously offer us?" The lightning speed with which GOB acted with regard to BTL last year, showed what can happen when priorities are made. The ag sector certainly does not request or expect such expedited actions. But, if agriculture is to be onehalf of our GDP, then we must reexamine what level of inputs we are all applying to this ‘pillar’ – both in budget, and in manpower energy.
First Year Anniversary
Just over one year ago, this paper was created to address both
the lack of agriculture news in Belize, and the lack of a voice of
the agricultural producer in Belize. As we enter our second
year of publication we at The Belize Ag Report look forward to
reporting on the progress of the exciting facets of agricultural
improvements, innovations and expansions, locally and regionally.
We invite you, producer and reader alike, to share
your ideas for what you would like the newsletter to be. We
are all ears. We express our appreciation to all our advertisers,
readers, contributing writers, and contributing news sources.
It is our privilege to be working with you all.
From the Editor - April, 2010 - (Beth Roberson)
HATS OFF TO PROMOTERS OF THE SPANISH LOOKOUT EXPO
Estimates of between 12,000 to 16,000 people made the effort to visit the First Annual Spanish Lookout Commercial/Industrial Expo, held as a one day event on February 27th, at Countryside Park, Spanish Lookout, Cayo District. Close to 100 businesses, most but not all Mennonite owned, set up booths and exhibits to showcase their wares and services.
The Belize Ag Report salutes the main sponsors of that show: Farmers Trading Center, Universal Hardware, Western Dairies, Quality Poultry, Westrac and Belize Tire Depot. We understand that the turn out was so successful, that organizers are considering making this a two-day event next year, and may include more agriculture – crops, horticulture and even livestock. Well done, and all will look forward to next February’s Second Annual Expo. Where would Belizean agriculture be if the Mennonites had not chosen to migrate here in 1958? Their ‘competition with cooperation’ business philosophy distinguishes them from mainstream Belize. Well done Spanish Lookout; The Belize Ag Report is ready to reserve our booth for next year.
We have realized our first year in print, with issue #6. Enormous thanks to all our advertisers and all the writers who continue to raise the profile of the newsletter. We are now being read from Malaysia to Mexico ( and receiving feedback) from many of our online as well as printed copy* readers. Over 8,000 unique readers visit our website every month. What more can we say than an old fashioned, THANK YOU! And, we look forward to your continued support – you are all vital to our continued growth and success. We look forward to hearing from more readers. Please tell us what you would like to read; suggested topics or contributed articles are always most welcome.
*Note: the main distribution channels for the printed editions are via our advertisers. Quarter page clients receive 25 printed copies, half page-50, etc. Additional copies are delivered to ag NGO’s, embassies, and agribusinesses. Ministry of Agriculture receives over 100 for its countrywide offices, Foreign Affairs floats a few around the globe on their travels, and over 150 copies are distributed in Southern Mexico, by gracious assistance of the Mexican Embassy in Belize. The Belize Ag Report appreciates all these efforts by advertisers and friends of Belizean agriculture.
From the Editor - July, 2009 - (Beth Roberson)
Congratulations and thanks to all who worked hard for the success of the recent National Agriculture and Trade Show. We share with you some of the comments we heard about the 2009 show.
All agree that Agriculture and Trade industries overlap, and have been served fairly well in the past with one inte-grated annual show. However, due to the growth of both sec-tors, is it time to consider separation, and a distinct show for each? Questions arose in the planning of this show, stemming from the divergent marketing philosophies of these groups. Belize Ag Report heard several suggestions to split up and re-organize, from the Ag. sector. Although no formal survey was conducted, positive comments were expressed by trade sector individuals too. Splitting the show might have avoided some controversy with the 2009 show, and could result in some positive changes for future NATS.
Proposals and plans were made by the NATS Committee to re-zone the show ground's exhibitor areas. Many of the more rambunctious and noisier attractions, and notably the alcohol vendors would have been placed apart from the agriculture/ livestock section. Indications were that as a result of this, one of the larger Mennonite groups would have infused a large amount of capital to renovate the very rundown livestock barns, etc. of the existing showground's. Belize Ag Report heard only praise and enthusiasm for this proposal. People not previously interested in either attending or participating in the show were looking forward to experiencing the new envi-ronment. Reports to us are that after the Committee had agreed to the new zoning, for some reason the zoning decision was negated. It was business as usual or, as some describe it, 'noisy confusion'.
Revision of the show's management system would enable fu-ture committees to better meet the hefty challenge in-volved. The existing system, with the heavy oversight from the top is a lingering legacy from the colonial system, shunned vociferously by most people. The NATS management system as it stands now and in the past, is a committee appointed by the government of the day through the Ministry of Agriculture. This committee of management usually changes when we have a GOB party change. This disrupts the continuity necessary for improvements in long term planning . In order for our NATS to compete with other Agricultural shows, it takes decades of time and hundreds of thousands of dollars. We need a new type of board make-up, one with industry stakeholders who stay involved no matter what the outcome of National Elec-tions. This would of course include Government input as well. Trust and respect between GOB and the private sector are es-sential for growth. A more modern democratic approach will lead to improvements beneficial to all through a revitalized show.
With the delays from pandemic flu causing a rescheduled NATS, controversies cooled and cooperation reigned in an at-mosphere infused with relief that Belize was spared from the brunt of the flu. Agriculturalists from all parts of the country, many who only see each other annually at the show, discussed business, visited and shared ideas for future shows. Discus-sions covered the possibility of shows focusing more on agri-culture, to be held throughout the calendar year at the GOB showground's or on private lands. Some stakeholders are sug-gesting that the show be held in late summer or early spring, when more crops are available for display (this could compli-ment the high tourist season). Transport difficulties in the past, during the rains with the roads at that time had caused NATS to be set for late May. With our improved roads, that obstacle is removed.
As rapid global ramifications of the flu so clearly showed, the modern world demands the cooperation between the public and private sectors. To make the strides in agriculture neces-sary to meet the future, Belize must also follow this path. The agriculture industry surely needs a smooth functioning Na-tional Show. It's up to the private sector to see if they are ready to organize some additional shows.
As rapid global ramifications of the flu so clearly showed, the modern world demands the cooperation between the public and private sectors. To make the strides in agriculture necessary to meet the future, Belize must also follow this path. The agriculture industry surely needs a smooth functioning National Show. It's up to the private sector to see if they are ready to organize some additional shows.