Orange Walk’s Juan Ricardo Carrillo named 2025 Junior Farmer of the Year by Ministry of Agriculture

Published by [email protected] at April 17, 2025

Posted: Thursday, April 17, 2025. 3:12 pm CST.

2025 Junior Farmer of the Year Juan Ricardo Carrillo – Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) has announced that Juan Ricardo Carrillo has been recognized as the 2025 Junior Farmer of the Year.

MAFSE said this honour is in recognition of his dedication, innovation, and commitment to sustainable agriculture. His passion for farming and resilience in the face of industry challenges make him a standout among young farmers in Belize.

“Juan is particularly passionate about inspiring the next generation to value agricultural productivity,” MAFSE said in its announcement.

Carrillo, a 25-year-old farmer from San Lazaro in the Orange Walk District, grew up immersed in the agricultural world. Inspired by his father and grandfather, he developed an early appreciation for farming, particularly in cultivating vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, and cabbages. At just 15 years old, he made the decision to dedicate himself to agriculture full-time.

Since then, Carrillo has embraced progressive farming techniques to improve efficiency and productivity. His approach focuses on sustainability, incorporating natural fertilizers like Super Magro and MadriFol from the Sembrando Vida Program to enrich the soil. He also prioritizes biological pest control methods, using beneficial organisms like Metarhizium to mitigate pest problems while reducing chemical inputs.

In addition to vegetable farming, Carrillo has expanded into livestock production, raising poultry, sheep, and cattle. His holistic farming model ensures long-term sustainability while providing essential agricultural products to the community. His dedication to agriculture is not only seen in his farm but also in his desire to uplift the next generation of farmers.

Carrillo’s wife, Carla Linet Carrillo, has been a steadfast partner in his agricultural ventures, supporting his vision for a thriving and self-sustaining farm. Together, they aspire to contribute meaningfully to the local farming community.

Alongside Carrillo’s achievement, MAFSE has also named Gregorio Esquivel as the 2025 Farmer of the Year and Noemi Requena as the Woman Farmer of the Year, recognizing their outstanding contributions to agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Belize.

2025 Farmers of the Year – Photo Credit: MAFSE

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