GOB Refutes False Claims Regarding Carrot Imports

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise has since responded to what it calls unfounded and false allegations.  According to a release issued on Tuesday, no import permits for carrots have been issued since November 2023. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority, BAHA, has also determined that contraband vegetables are not affecting the market at present because of an increase in surveillance efforts, as well as a heightened military presence on both sides of the border to control illegal activities.  Earlier today, News Five spoke with William Can, an agriculture officer in Cayo District.

 

William Can, Agriculture Officer, Cayo District

“In terms of carrots production, we know that well, carrots production, a synopsis of the whole crop season, usually in the month of August, September all the way February is the planting of carrots, it‘s carrot season.  And then the harvesting usually begins from November and goes all the way through to July of each year.  First of all, I just want to clarify that at the moment we have not issued any import license from our last import that we issued in November 2023.  Since then, we haven‘t issued out permits and we still continue to maintain that, that we are not importing or giving any importation permits because with the local produce that we have, we have enough to supply the main market‘s demand.  In terms of what is happening, this year is a unique year in terms of for the past year and what‘s coming this year, it‘s not one of the most favorable for vegetables and the viability of it is, in terms of last year, typically, right now the main issue is that we have simultaneous harvesting in all four districts; Stann Creek, Cayo, Orange Walk, and Corozal.  So that is kinda why there is the situation that some farmers tend to sell more than the next and the prices are lower.”