Day One of FO4ACP Global Learning Route looks at enhancing Agricultural Value Chains

Published by [email protected] at December 11, 2024

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Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2024. 3:17 pm CST.

Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The first day of the Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific (FO4ACP) Global Learning Route kicked off with insightful presentations, interactive discussions, and a recognition ceremony aimed at enhancing the inclusion of small producer enterprises into value chains on Monday at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, Belize City. The event began with a series of presentations focusing on the opportunities, challenges, and public policies pivotal to this goal.

Belize is hosting the Global Learning Route forum from December 8-15 with participants from all the global areas the project covers in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

“The transformative initiative is jointly organized by PROCASUR and the Belize Department of Co-operatives, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with financial support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the European Union (EU) under the FO4ACP program framework,” MAFSE said.

“The event will bring together twenty-four (24) high-level representatives of farmers’ organizations and institutions from Asia, Africa and South America, as well as nine (9) technical and management staff from IFAD, FAO and PROCASUR.”

The Day One presenters included Dr. Victoriano Pascual, Chief Agriculture Officer; Sergio Tillett, Agri-Business Officer from the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation; and Wilana Oldham, Managing Director of Hot Mama’s Belize Ltd.

Following the presentations, the delegation traveled to the Valley of Peace, where they engaged in an enriching session hosted by the Valley of Peace Lagoon Farmers’ Co-operative. This session featured interactive discussions, information sharing, and field visits, providing participants with a hands-on understanding of successful cooperative farming practices.

Photo Credit: MAFSE

The day concluded with the Valley of Peace Lagoon Farmers’ Co-operative being recognized for their enduring efforts and contributions to sustainable agriculture. They were presented with a certificate of appreciation, highlighting their role in promoting agricultural innovation and community development.

The FO4ACP Global Learning Route aims to strengthen agricultural value chains by fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders. Day one set a promising tone for the rest of the event, with participants eagerly looking forward to the subsequent sessions.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) said nine Belizean small farmer organizations are beneficiaries, and the work plan includes a number of investments in different areas.

“Throughout the event, participants will analyse progress made globally, address current challenges, and explore future prospects, drawing on the experiences and best practices developed by various FO4ACP program participants around the world,” MAFSE said.

Local governmental and non-governmental institutions have also been invited to present on services and structures available and utilised by our small producers.”

MAFSE said four of the nine Belizean beneficiary small farmer organizations will be hosting the international representatives for field visits at their respective farms.

The following is the field visits schedule:

Monday, December 9, 2024, 11am-5pm Valley of Peace Lagoon Farmers’

Co-operative Valley of Peace, Cayo

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 9am-5pm Concepcion Vegetable Farmers’

Co-operative Concepcion Village, Corozal

Thursday, December 12, 2024, 9am-5pm Orange Walk Beekeepers’ Co-operative Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk

Friday, December 13, 2024, 10am-5pm Bomba United Farmers’ Co-operative Bomba Village, Belize

Photo Credit: MAFSE

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