New Vanilla Training Project Launched in Southern Belize

The Ministry of Investment, in collaboration with several partners, officially launched the “Vanilla Training for Women and Girls in Western and Southern Belize” project in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District. This initiative is designed to empower 30 women from Toledo by teaching them how to grow and harvest vanilla.

The training will focus on increasing the acreage of vanilla cultivated in Belize, providing hands-on experience in propagating vanilla vines, and educating participants on the floral biology of vanilla, including the hand-pollination process.

Trainees will learn about harvesting, curing, and exporting their produce, while also receiving guidance on organising efforts within women’s groups to develop the vanilla industry.

The Ministry stated that “vanilla represents a significant economic opportunity for Belize, especially with international demand.” The project will also establish a propagation nursery at Bella Vista Government Secondary School.