On April 15, 2021, Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and H.E. David K.C. Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), participated in a certificate ceremony for 30 sheep farmers from the Orange Walk and Corozal districts at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station, Orange Walk District.
Minister Mai and Ambassador Chien issued certificates of participation and completion to sheep farmers who received training in a range of topics, including animal care, nutrition, pasture establishment, health and traceability. The training was done by expert technicians and facilitators from the Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project which is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission.
The Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project is a four-year project that goes on to 2023. The main objectives of the project are to assist Belizean farmers to improve the quality of the sheep and goats; to conduct market value chain analysis and implement a marketing program to promote consumption and market penetration for sheep and goat products; and to strengthen the Sheep and Goat Traceability System to improve value chain efficiencies and branding quality of sheep and goat products. The governments of Belize and Taiwan have expressed their desire and commitment to further strengthening the friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries through the implementation of this project and look forward to further collaboration to improve the welfare and benefit of the Belizean people.
The farmers will now be expected to produce sheep more efficiently using resources available at their farms and to increase income and profitability from sheep and goat rearing, while at the same time contributing to national food security. More training workshops will be held for others farmers in all districts.
