OIRSA Expands Insectary in Belmopan

The International Regional Organisation for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA), along with the Resilient Rural Belize Programme (RRB), the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), has announced the expansion of the Biological Control Insectary at the National Agriculture Showgrounds in Belmopan.

The insectary has been operating since 2003 and has been important in controlling pests like the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug using parasitic wasps. Now, under a new mandate from regional agriculture ministers, the facility will produce additional beneficial insects, such as the Sitotroga cerealella moth and Trichogramma pretiosum wasps, to combat pests like borers, aphids, and whiteflies.

In a statement, MED stated that this $123,000 expansion will help reduce pesticide use, safeguard human health, and promote environmentally friendly farming practices. OIRSA and RRB are also working to educate farmers on using natural pest control methods. “This initiative aims to reduce the irrational use of insecticides in agriculture, protect human health and the environment, and promote the production of safe agricultural commodities for consumers,” the ministry added.

The expanded insectary will support local and regional agricultural sustainability efforts by providing accessible, eco-friendly pest control solutions.