Belmopan, July 27, 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFSNGI), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is hosting a five-day technical training mission from July 27–31, 2026, at Central Farm, Cayo, to strengthen Belize’s agricultural extension services and promote climate-smart agriculture.
The training forms part of the regional project “Strengthening Agricultural Extension Services in the Caribbean,” which is aligned with the Gender-Responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems in the Caribbean (GCAF) initiative. The project seeks to modernize agricultural extension systems across the Caribbean by enhancing the technical, institutional, and human capacities needed to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity. It is a four-year regional initiative funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The mission is being led by Mr. Marcko Theodoracopoulos, FAO Horticulture Specialist, and Mr. Ricardo Lardizabal, Crop Specialist from Zamorano University. Together, they will deliver intensive classroom and field-based training to both field and research-based extension officers.
Participants will receive practical instruction in soil health assessment, plant nutrition, fertilizer management, irrigation principles, fertigation systems, and integrated irrigation troubleshooting. The hands-on training is designed to equip extension officers with the technical knowledge and skills needed to diagnose soil and irrigation challenges, recommend sustainable crop management practices, and provide improved advisory services to farmers throughout Belize.
This initiative underscores the Government of Belize’s commitment to building resilient, productive, and climate-smart agricultural systems. By strengthening the capacity of extension personnel, the programme will contribute to improved food security, sustainable natural resource management, and increased resilience of farming communities in the face of climate change.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries expresses its appreciation to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for its continued partnership and technical support in advancing sustainable agricultural development in Belize.
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