The NATS is the annual event that brings the agriculture sector in Belize in one single location, either displaying their products, services or providing overall information on the sector. This year it was held, from April 28th to 30th, under the theme, “Lets Get Growing”.
The opening took place on Friday, April 29, 2017 with the participation H.E Govern General Sir Colville N. Young, the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Godwin Hulse and Professor Clement Sankat, President of the University of Belize who was the guest speaker, as well as Ministers and CEOs from other line Ministries, Diplomatic Corp, Local authorities and farmers’ associations.
The Minister of Agriculture, during his speech, emphasized the value chain, increase productivity, and promotion of exports. He also indicated the importance of education for agriculture development and the important role of University of Belize in this area. On the other hand, he also expressed the importance of the extension service to assist and support farmers as well as the needs in innovation, new technologies and agro-processing.
During NATS, three farmers received recognition as farmers of the year, Male farmer Gary Canto from San Antonio Village, Cayo District, Female farmer Merva Elizabeth Flowers from Eldridge, Toledo District and Santiago Gutierrez, Junior farmer from San Antonio Village, Cayo District. IICA sponsored prizes for these farmers.
IICA, as an important stakeholder in the sector, had a booth displaying information on the Institute and our contribution to the development of the sector. Key highlight of the booth were the past projects implemented for the sugar sector, our work with small family farms in the Belize River Valley in tilapia and small stock production.
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