Belmopan, October 2, 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFSNGI) has successfully completed a series of intensive coconut farmer training workshops in both the Belize and Orange Walk Districts.
This specialized capacity-building initiative is being implemented as part of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s global initiative, “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP), which promotes sustainable value chains for special agricultural products.
The training sessions were led by the FAO’s national coconut pest and disease specialist. Technical and field support was provided by personnel from the MAFSNGI’s Fruit Tree Program, Research Unit, and Extension Unit.
The comprehensive, two-day workshops saw active participation from over 30 coconut farmers from each district, highlighting a diverse representation that included female and youth farmers eager to advance the sustainability of Belize’s expanding coconut sector. The training sessions were held on September 17 and 24 in the Belize District, and on September 18 and 25 in the Orange Walk District.
Designed to ensure immediate field readiness, the training sessions seamlessly integrated theoretical lectures with practical field exercises. This hands-on approach allowed participating farmers to gain vital, practical field experience to detect, identify, and control various pests and diseases of critical importance to the industry.
Building on the success of these events, additional training sessions are currently being scheduled for the remaining districts across the country. Coconut farmers and interested stakeholders are strongly encouraged to participate.
For more information regarding upcoming schedules or to register for future sessions, interested participants should contact their respective district agriculture offices.
Ends
