Belizean Farmers’ Organization participate in Hydroponic study Tour in Colombia

Posted: Thursday, January 25, 2024. 1:40 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: A delegation of 5 representatives from Belizean farmers’ organizations and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) is currently in Bogota, Colombia.

The farmers are embarking on an educational journey focused on hydroponic and substrate-based production systems. 

The study tour, taking place from January 22 to 26, 2024, is a collaborative initiative organized by PROCASUR, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Colombia.

This initiative falls under the Regional LA GCP/RLA/230/IFA, Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific – Action in the Caribbean (FO4ACP – Caribbean), and Belize is actively participating in this program.

The objective of the Technical Study Tour is to enhance the capabilities of farmer organizations in Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, and St. Lucia. 

The training aims to empower these associations to apply hydroponic principles in the cultivation of various vegetables and greens, utilizing production technologies such as Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and substrate-based systems.

The tour seeks to guide participants in developing innovative pilot projects and envisioning the investment, implementation, and management of hydroponic production. The goal is to contribute to strengthening the resilience of production systems and improving food availability in the participating countries.

Representing Belize are Abimael Puck, Extension Officer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, along with members from various farmers’ cooperatives – Ever Blandon of Valley Peace Lagoon Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd., Adolfo Ek of Concepcion Vegetable Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd., Ryan Tzib of Sayab Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd., and Darwin Orellana of Bomba United Cooperative Ltd.

The Ministry noted that this international collaboration underscores Belize’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices, fostering innovation, and ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the agriculture sector.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.