Minister Jose Abelardo Mai assumes CIRSA Pro Tempore Presidency, stresses regional cooperation

Published by [email protected] at April 3, 2025

Posted: Thursday, April 3, 2025. 1:20 pm CST.

Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai, center, with regional ministers of agriculture – Photo Credit: Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE)

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: On Thursday morning, Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai, officially took over as pro tempore president of the International Regional Committee on Agricultural Health (CIRSA) in a ceremony held in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye at the beginning of the International Regional Committee on Agricultural Health-International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (CIRSA-OIRSA) Meeting.

The outgoing president, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Julio Antonio Berdegué Sacristán, formally handed over leadership to Mai, who will oversee CIRSA’s efforts throughout 2025. During the transition, Mai presented a recognition award to Dr. Berdegué for his contributions during his tenure.

In his first address as CIRSA president, Mai emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in agriculture, food security, and livestock management.

“Today we meet not only as representatives of our respective countries but as allies in the common mission to strengthen the agricultural sector, promote sustainable livestock farming, and, above all, protect our natural resources from the threats posed by diseases and pests that affect our crops and animals,” he said.

Mai highlighted Belize’s agricultural initiatives, particularly ongoing research in partnership with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) to develop a banana variety resistant to Tropical Race 4 Fusarium, a disease threatening regional banana industries.

“This initiative is a clear example of how science and research contribute to food security and economic growth,” he stated.

Minister Mai also discussed Belize’s leadership in biological pest control, noting the Belmopan insectary’s production of 367,235 specimens of Anagyrus kamali for combatting pink mealybug infestations, as well as 461.97 grams of Crisoperla carnea eggs for controlling soft-bodied pests. He added that Trichogramma, a parasitic wasp used to manage sugarcane borers and Lepidopteran pests, had been produced with 10,837 square inches prepared for field release.

Following the handover ceremony, CIRSA continued with key presentations, including a report from Dr. Berdegué on CIRSA’s 2024 presidency, followed by an executive report from OIRSA’s Director General, Raúl Rodas. Additional discussions focused on OIRSA’s financial report, presented by Carlos Mario Aparicio, and the regional strategy for controlling the New World Screwworm (NWS), a destructive livestock pest impacting rural economies.

Mai reaffirmed CIRSA’s commitment to strengthening agricultural policies.

“The prevention and control of diseases and pests, like the NWS, must remain a priority. Only by working together can we ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for our nations,” he affirmed.

The CIRSA meeting continues through Friday, April 4, with discussions centered on advancing agricultural sustainability and reinforcing biosecurity measures across the region.

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