Ministry of Agriculture, International Regional Organization for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA) sign new agreement to improve the quarantine inspection at the Philip Goldson International Airport

Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: A new agreement to improve the quarantine inspection at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) was signed on Monday by the Ministry of Agriculture and the International Regional Organization for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA).

The agreement is an addendum to the Non-intrusive Quarantine Inspection Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed last year in April 2022. The MOU was for two X-ray machines at the PGIA arrival lounge to scan the luggage of passengers for any prohibited or risky agricultural products such as vegetables, meat, and meat products.

MAFSE said the addendum introduces a maintenance fee for the service to ensure its financial sustainability and protect agricultural farmers from the introduction of unwanted or risky agricultural products.

According to BAHA, the use of the X-ray system has increased detection levels of unwanted goods that pose a threat to the agricultural sector.

“The signing of these agreements represents significant steps in enhancing agricultural health and productivity in Belize,” MAFSE said.

“The collaboration between the various organizations and authorities involved is crucial for addressing regional and national agricultural challenges effectively.”

Minister Jose Abelardo Mai and OIRSA Executive Director Raul Rodas signed the addendum along with BAHA’s Managing Director Zoe Roberson Zetina at the Ministry of Agriculture National Agric Showgrounds conference room in Belmopan on Monday afternoon.

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