US Embassy donates US$40,000 in equipment to BAHA to eradicate two Medfly outbreaks

Published by [email protected] at August 31, 2021

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Posted: Tuesday, August 31, 2021. 6:09 pm CST.

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The United States Embassy donated US$40,000 in essential equipment to Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) to eradicate two Medfly outbreaks, according to a joint press release.

The donation is part of an ongoing program of assistance by the US Government which has provided more than US$186,000 since January 2021 in support of the Belize Medfly Surveillance Program under a cooperative agreement signed in 1977 between the US Department of Agriculture and the Government of Belize.

The donation to support Belize’s agricultural sector, “includes insect traps and lures planned for use in field operations and in surveillance activities in two active Medfly outbreak eradication initiatives in the Sapodilla Cayes and the Placencia Peninsula,” said the release.

“We continue to stand with Belize and the thousands of farmers who depend on the agricultural sector as a source of income and livelihood, by acting swiftly to destroy Medfly populations as they arise in the country. The United States remains committed to supporting the Government of Belize in promoting economic prosperity,” said US Embassy Belmopan Environment, Science, Technology, and Health Officer Vince Lowney.

The US-supported Medfly Surveillance Program which helps Belize’s agriculture industry combat the Mediterranean Fruit Fly should help Belize boost its agricultural exports vital for the country’s economic prosperity.

The Medfly, if not controlled, can have severe effects on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture Servulo Baeza and the Acting Managing Director of BAHA Francisco Gutierrez were on hand to receive the donation on behalf of the Government of Belize.

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