Agriculture - Channel 5 Belize

B.S.I. Doing its Part to Hinder Sugar Smuggling

As we previously clarified, Belize is not currently experiencing a sugar shortage. However, the illicit sale of Belize’s sugar outside of the local market continues to be a detriment to the industry. Distributors have attempted to limit the frequency of sugar contrabanding by limiting the amount that one family is able to purchase at a time. According to the Communications Officer of Belize Sugar Industries, William Neal, producers have also taken steps to prevent the occurrence by eliminating third-party distributors. Neal spoke with News Five to explain that even with the precautions taken by the company, it is in the hands of law enforcement to further control the issue. Here’s more on that.

William Neal, Communications Officer, B.S.I.

“Based on what we were seeing the wholesalers were being accused of being the ones who were actually leading the charge when it comes to contraband across the borders. So we made some changes in terms of the way that it’s done. And we thought that would alleviate that situation in terms of making sure that the stores themselves are supplied. And so we did that directly. As the Minister of Agriculture said in his statement, interview. It’s a matter of enforcement now. And they are making some changes that we hope will ensure that the sugar destined for the domestic market is indeed utilized and available by members of the Belizean public. Because that’s what it is designed for, that the domestic sugar be consumed locally. Of course, we’d like to eliminate this smuggling. Belize has a controlled market for sugar. So the prices are lower and that’s the incentive that gives any person, any business person who wants to do an illegal act because it is illegal to contraband it to one of the neighboring countries. We have made some adjustments internally to better manage that, but still and also to reduce some of the areas of grey where there might not be visibility as to what is happening with the sugar. Going directly to the stores themselves, we are hoping that you’ll no longer have that confusion and that the relevant authorities will then do the necessary enforcement to make sure that the sugar that is being purchased for domestic use is made available to customers here in Belize for their consumption and therefore we don’t have any more shortages apparent or otherwise.”

Local Bakeries Hope Flour Shortage Ends Soon

It’s been a tough week for bakers across the country, as they grapple with a flour shortage. In the past few days, several businesses have had to reduce production because they were not able to purchase enough flour to meet their demand. According to the Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai, the shortage was due to issues at the mill, which he says were resolved last week. While the millers work towards producing the next supply of flour, bakers are eagerly awaiting a return to normalcy. We spoke with the Manager of Sunny Side Bakery in Belize City to hear how business has been fairing amidst the shortage. Here’s more on that.

Britney Gordon

“There’s been a flour shortage over the past couple days now. It’s been affecting a few businesses across Belize. How has your company been impacted by this shortage?”

Elony Pitterson, Manager, Sunny Side Bakery

“Currently we can’t supply to most of our customers. Right now it’s a little problem. But we are trying the best we can with what we have. The government told us that we could use substitute flour, so that’s what we are using.”

Britney Gordon

“So you said that you have limited supply would you say that you’ve just been making less items or have you had to stop making non-priority items like not your best sellers. What has that decision been?”

Elony Pitterson

“For sure our main priority is making the buns. But still we are cutting down on bread because our Belizean people prefer the bun over the bread So that is what we are trying.”

Britney Gordon

“So did you guys try that different brand of flour in the meantime, or did you decide to just continue the way how you always knew it with a limited supply?”

Elony Pitterson

“Yes, we tried the flour actually today. Some of the pastries, the powder bun the cinnamon rolls, and even the bread, we tried it and it’s okay. It’s okay so far.”

Britney Gordon

“Yesterday they said that we can, around today is when we can expect production to really pick up back for the flour. Are you guys able to get flour today or is there still a bit of a wait period?”

Elony Pitterson

“Yes, we are trying to get flour. No, we haven’t been getting flour, but it’s the substitute flour. But the government had told us that Monday we should be getting back our usual flour and hopefully we do get it.”

Britney Gordon

“And what’s the reaction been from customers that you guys sell out so fast or they haven’t been able to get their favorite items during this time?”

Elony Pitterson

“Mostly it’s our wholesalers. They are a bit angry. And because we are short on flour we have to close early, and our customers are upset that they can’t get their buns and stuff like that.”

Britney Gordon

“But you’re confident that by Monday, things should be back to normal?”

Elony Pitterson

“Yes, hopefully. Hopefully, we are relying on the government. Hopefully, yes.”

Livestock Producers to Access Financing Through the DFC

Today, the Development Finance Cooperation and the Belize Livestock Producers Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish collaborative assistance to livestock producers nationwide. The MOU seeks to establish climate smart practices among small, medium, and large producers to improve resiliency and sustainability. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

When you think of iconic Belizean dishes, rice and beans and chicken or cow foot soup may come to mind. Without farmers and ranchers across the country, the food we know, and love may not be accessible to make. That is why the Development Finance Cooperation, and the Belize Livestock Producers Association are partnering to increase support for these valuable members of Belizean society. The Chief Executive Officer of the BLPA, William Usher, tells us about this partnership.

William Usher, CEO, Belize Livestock Producers Association

“This partnership signifies a new chapter in the development and modernization of the livestock industry in Belize. An industry that is crucial not only to our economy, but to the livelihoods of thousands of Belizean farmers and ranchers. The livestock industry is critical to Belize’s economy and the livelihood of thousands of Belizean families. Our members are not just producers. They are stewards of the land, custodians of sustainable practices, and contributors to the food security and economic wellbeing of our nation. Since its establishment in 1977, BLPA has been committed to the growth and sustainability of the livestock sector, from implementing the Belize National Sanitary Cattle Plant Project, which paved the way for our National Traceability System, to improving the to represent over 7000 cattle farmers with a total herd of nearly two hundred thousand animals. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that Belize’s livestock industry meet both domestic needs and international standards.”

One of the key components of the MOU is resilience, as industry stakeholders work towards overcoming challenges such as climate change, fluctuating market conditions, and evolving environmental regulations.

William Usher

“These solutions, such as the climate resilient cattle loans, are expected to directly address the financial gap many small, medium and large farmers, ranchers face, but financing alone is not enough. This partnership also emphasizes capacity building and technical assistance, where BLP and DFC will work together to educate farmers on climate smart practices and modern herd management techniques. In an area of changing climatic conditions. Adopting sustainable farming practices is essential to protecting the environment, ensuring food security and enhancing the resilience of our sector.”

The DFC has committed to stand with livestock producers when threats arise in the industry and meet the needs of the farmers through financing solutions and preventative measures.

Henry Anderson, C.E.O., Development Finance Cooperation

“The last time we had to deal with a big threat in this area was back in 1994. And some of the practices that the farmers used to use then have gone. And so we may have to get ready to rebuild that. So we’re signaling that we realize that. And we are prepared to work and to see what DFC can do. Because we’re a development finance institution, We have a level of flexibility and patience and to be able to give forbearance where it’s needed to work through situations. So that is a strength that we bring. So as you said William, we see this as an opportunity to grow. We see it as a relationship. It’s not a piece of paper and w e look forward to celebrate milestones with, one of the ultimate milestones being to see that we have an industry that’s net zero.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Belize on High Alert for New World Screwworm Following Outbreak in Honduras

Belize has heightened its surveillance efforts for the New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) following confirmed cases in Honduras. The outbreak, announced by Honduran authorities, was detected in cattle and horses illegally transported in the municipality of El Triunfo, Choluteca.

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is closely monitoring the region’s zoosanitary conditions, particularly regarding the spread of the New World Screwworm in Central America. This parasitic insect poses a serious threat to livestock and can infect all mammals, including humans. Its rapid spread across the region is largely attributed to the illegal movement of animals.

BAHA is urging the public and livestock producers to remain vigilant and report any cases of animals with wounds infested by larvae or “maggots.” Preventative measures such as treating animal wounds from dehorning, castration, ear tagging, and branding should also be taken. Transporting animals with open wounds should be strictly avoided.

The risk of screwworm entering Belize remains high due to its proximity to affected regions, and the illegal importation of animals continues to be a significant threat to the country’s food security, livelihoods, and public health.

Jose Abelardo Mai Awarded for Contributions to Agriculture

Last week, Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai was presented with an award by the Caribbean Chicken Poultry Company for his work in strengthening the poultry industry in Belize. Earlier this week, he received another award, this time, from the cattle committee, for his efforts in ensuring that Belize has a resilient cattle industry. We spoke with him about the honor of receiving these awards, here’s what he had to say.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“They believe that I have done a lot in the industry and that they feel that they should award me. I am humbled by that award, and I will accept it with that humility, I will accept it. And I thank them for it. I think that we all agree that the cattle industry has moved forward from a dying industry to a very strong industry. A tone of ninety million dollars and so they saw it fit to give me this award and I’m honored by that award.”

Belize Citrus Industry Receives $1 Million Boost Amid Recovery

The citrus industry in Belize has received a significant boost with the recent approval of a one-time subsidy of one million dollars from the government of Belize. This funding is specifically allocated for the purchase of fertiliser to be applied to citrus orchards. The aim is to enhance production and support the struggling industry. This development comes as the citrus sector continues to recover from one of its most challenging periods in over a century.

In an interview with News Five in June, Hugh O’Brien, the Program Officer for Citrus Diversification at the Ministry of Agriculture, said that the industry has faced multiple setbacks over the years, with citrus greening being a major issue towards the end of the last decade. “We were hit hard by citrus greening back in 2009 and 2010, which had a gradual but severe impact on production,” O’Brien explained. “By around 2013, the industry really started to decline, and last year marked our lowest production in about fifty years, with just over 300,000 boxes of oranges and grapefruits processed at the factory.”

O’Brien remains cautiously optimistic about the industry’s future. “In our best years, we were producing eight million boxes, so last year’s output was just a fraction of that—about one-twentieth. However, there are signs of recovery. The new Silk Grass Plant began operations and processed an additional 40,000 boxes, and local markets consumed another 30,000 to 40,000 boxes, bringing the total to around 400,000 boxes. Additionally, there is a demand for Belizean oranges in Guatemala, particularly in Melchor and Flores, where they supply local markets and resorts.”

B.S.C.F.A. Official Addresses Sugar Commission

The Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry heard from Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, Oscar Alonzo today. He told the Commission that since the formula for the payment of sugarcane was first derived in 1966, there has not been any kind of agreement on the part of cane farmers that the formula ensures they are getting their fair share of the profits. Alonzo pointed to the contention, distrust and divisiveness that has developed between the investor and producers and he expressed hope that the inquiry can lead to having an industry working with greater unification and harmony. He said that the sugar industry regulations have served a purpose in the past, but that there is need now for them to serve a better purpose for the foreign investors and the cane farmers. Alonzo hopes for a partnership between both parties where one does not have to take the information provided by the other, but one where the information is shared freely.

Oscar Alonzo, C.E.O., B.S.C.F.A

“One of the fundamental factors is the issue of disclosure of information. If we could achieve a greater measure of this being improved on, I think this would help a lot because the disclosure of information is at the root of what we are experiencing at the moment. The investors, foreign and whatever the case might be, have generally tended to use the expression of private sector – private business – to justify their reluctance to disclose information, but they have also used terms like free market economy, capitalist accumulation, things that we don’t object to; it’s part of what we are involved with. That would work if we had a situation where we are equals, where it is not a process where the powerful which invariably has been the foreign investor and the weaker party which is the local producer having to literally accept without question what is given to them in terms of the commercial nature or the commercial value of the transactions that occur. Allusions have been made to the fact that we should not touch the issue of the cane payment and the formula that exists because no consideration of profit-sharing should be part of that; we should consider a concept of values and having the pie grow and not sharing the pie. I think this is an interpretation being given just to further reinforce the reluctance to provide information.”

B.S.C.F.A’s Attorney Says Amend the Sugar Industry Regulations

Ahead of the inquiry, the B.S.C.F.A had hired Senior Counsel Magali Marin-Young to make presentations on its behalf. Today, Marin-Young expressed, on behalf of the association, the importance for the Commission to investigate the legal framework, as well as the Sugar Industry Regulations to see how it could strengthen them, the weaknesses and what she termed as the unequal bargaining power and lack of transparency and information.

Magali Marin-Young, S.C, Attorney for B.S.C.F.A

“You have one miller in the northern districts for Belize sugar cane farmers to sell their produce to. It is in effect, a monopoly. There is no other miller that the canefarmer can sell his sugarcane in any cost-effective manner. Santander is all the way near Cotton Tree in the Cayo District. For it to transport its sugarcane would make it highly inefficient, so the canefarmer has nobody else to sell but to the one miller in the northern districts. So, speaking on behalf of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, and as signaled by the CEO, I think it is time for us to seriously look at the legislative framework. It is not working. It leads to a contentious situation.”

B.S.C.F.A Official Raises Issue with Net Strip Value Method of Payment

Chairman of the association’s Finance Committee, Javier Keme told the commission that there is concern over a disadvantage in the current model of the Net Strip Value, which Belize Sugar Industries/American Sugar Refinery uses in the method of payment to cane farmers. Keme explained that they are paid by percentage, but they believe that the figures can be manipulated.

Javier Keme, Chairman, B.S.C.F.A. Finance Committee

“Depending on the first estimated price, which is the first issue that the farmer is at a disadvantage because BSI at arriving at a first estimated price, in our view figures are being manipulated because the NSV model offers that on the side of the marketing prices to be conservative, to be on the lower end, and on the costs to be on the upper end. That cost would be more. This automatically results in a low first estimated price and the first estimated price is what give ground to apply a formula that if its over forty-two dollars, it’s going to be eighty-five percent. If it’s more, the percentage reduces to eighty percent of that estimated price. This creates a big challenge to the producers and it worsened over the years with the cost of grain inputs increasing. Why? Because as the first estimated price is calculated, it only covers the cost of harvesting. Remember that the producer had already embarked on a loan or financing to do the maintenance cost or investments in the production for that respective crop.”

B.S.C.F.A Believes Solution to Sugar Shortage is More Production

Chairman of the Orange Walk branch of the B.S.C.F.A., Alfredo Ortega said that the farmers are not in agreement with the idea that increasing sugar prices will solve the problem of the sugar shortage on the shelves. He told the commission that what should be considered is simply producing more sugar to supply both the local and the foreign markets.

Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, B.S.C.F.A, Orange Walk Branch

“Everything that uses sugar will go up and we don’t think that by increasing the price will solve the problem and it’s also not good for us being a sugar-producing country having two mills not to have sugar on the shelves as our community needs. SO we as the B.S.C.F .A are concerned of that issue. We think there are methods that can be put in place to reduce the smuggle out of here or as they have said to us many times, that the local sugar is the best price that they have, whenever there are reduced prices around the world. So what they should do then if they want to have this outgoing of sugar is produce more local sugar.”