Belize Attends the 44th IICA Executive Committee Meeting to Advocate for Stronger Agrifood Systems

Minister Jose Abelardo Mai, alongside senior sector officials and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), convened at the 44th Regular Meeting of the IICA Executive Committee to address the strengthening of regional agrifood systems amidst global challenges. The two-day session was hosted at IICA Headquarters in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Minister Jose Abelardo Mai was recognised for his expertise and leadership, and was nominated Rapporteur at the 44th IICA Regular Meeting. Mai addressed critical issues, including the impact of migration on Belize’s agriculture. “Hurricanes damage our agrifood systems, but we must also talk about mass migration from the region, which leads to economic losses,”  warned Belizean Minister José Abelardo Mai, who added the adverse effects of climate change, such as erratic rainfall and increased temperatures disrupting crop growth alongside a rise in pest and disease problems. According to Minister Mai, the spread of New World Screw Worms threatens Belize’s $90 million cattle trade with Mexico.

The meeting facilitated strategic collaborations, with Mai engaging in discussions on joint research and sustainable practices. Accompanied by CEO Servulo Baeza, Mai underscored Belize’s commitment to tackling regional agricultural challenges and supported the creation of the Hemispheric Fund for Agriculture Resilience.