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.