Belize Approves Ostrich Importation After Decade-Long Lobby Effort

It has been over a decade since ostrich farmer Nacy Marin has been lobbying to get approval to import ostriches from Mexico, but this week her faith was rewarded. Marin has officially received approval from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) after meeting a long list of stringent requirements. With BAHA’s approval, Marin now awaits documentation from Mexico to put all the pieces in place. Those documents are reportedly only a formality as Mexico had already pre-approved Marin’s application. She spoke with our newsroom today about what the achievement means to her and to the country

Marin says that, with her approval, the way is paved for other ostrich farmers to get in on this very lucrative industry.

Apart from the meat, a number of other value added products can be made from ostriches such as cosmetics and jewelry.