Belizean Farmers Receive Certification in Safe Pesticide Management Practices

Over one hundred farmers from 16 producer organizations (POs) recently trained in safe and effective pesticide use were recognized today at a certification ceremony. The cohort included agricultural cooperatives and associations from all six districts of Belize that completed the Responsible Pesticide Management Training program. The initiative sought to provide the farmers with essential resources, including bio-beds for safe pesticide waste disposal, container collection units, personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical storage units, and measuring cups for accurate pesticide dosing.  At the Ceremony, the Director of the Department of Cooperatives, Gareth Murillo, spoke about how this will better the sector. 

Participants attended three face-to-face sessions, complemented by field visits and learning tours, which provided hands-on experience in responsible pesticide management.  Leo Martinez, a representative of the Ministry of Economic Development, expressed that the project is expected to impact countless families. 

The training initiative was funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Government of Belize.