FAO.org

Sugar production has traditionally been the largest industry in the agricultural sector of Belize, particularly so in the northern districts of Orange Walk and Corozal, where small and medium-sized producers have played an important role in this industry. However, it is expected that as a result of the reform of the European Union (EU) sugar regime many-small scale farmers will leave sugar-cane production, mainly because of their inability to remain competitive. Against this background, the Government of Belize is supporting farmers in Northern Belize to diversify their production into market-driven non-sugar cane agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration (MAFFESD) sought assistance from FAO to enhance its capacity to facilitate the strengthening of onion, honey and sheep value chains, to increase productivity, quality and consistency of production, and improve farmers’ linkages to markets