Webinar Explores Benefits and Challenges of Hemp Cultivation in Belize

As Belize continues to explore the commercial possibilities of hemp, the second in a series of webinars highlighted hemp cultivation’s potential benefits and unique challenges. Last night, the event brought together experts and stakeholders keen to understand how to make hemp a viable and profitable crop in Belize. The discussion centered on the practicalities of hemp farming in Belize’s tropical climate and the steps necessary to adapt the plant’s genetics to local conditions. Among the challenges identified were high humidity levels and soil conditions, which could impact crop health and yield. One of the international guests, Joaff, an agronomist, noted that breeding or selecting hemp varieties suited to Belize’s specific environment will play a critical role in the success of this emerging industry.

Joaff, Agronomist: “And in Belize, there are many challenges growing hemp. The main thing is the photo period. Photo period talks about the tendency of the plant to flower when it senses that the days are getting shorter. So most of the hemp cultivars, the hemp genetics, are adapted to the northern hemisphere climate meaning latitudes above thirty, above twenty-eight. Belize is way less than that. So, the photoperiod which once the plant senses less than thirteen and a half hours of light, it starts to flower and this means that most of the hemp varieties that are going to be cultivated in Belize, once they feel this environment of less than thirteen and a half hours of light which is basically all year round in Belize, then they will flower and they will be very, very small plants.”

Reporter: Farmers can then provide that supplemental lighting. Would it aid with the 16 plus hours light that’s needed during the vegetative stage? 
Joaff, Agronomist:“Yes, this is the solution. The challenge is to scale it up so you can use it outside of greenhouses and also to find the right genetics to meet the growing conditions. So yeah, this is a solution for small scale, but a better solution needs to be addressed for big scale.”

Despite these challenges, there is also optimism about hemp’s potential economic benefits, including job creation, sustainable agriculture practices, and opportunities in sectors ranging from textiles to wellness products. Another guest, Priscilla, spoke about the possibilities. 

Priscilla, Agronomist: “As a challenge you can see also an opportunity of developing a hemp ecosystem. This is very important. A collaboration between farmers, processing facilities, associations, the law, consumers, the market. Also this opportunity of contribution to sustainable development goals of the United Nations and also there is this growing demand for sustainable products. As I said, the superfood, the plants growing in a regenerative system, different types of agriculture, more modern agriculture, sustainable agriculture. This is very important and cannabis is slow, demanding on water, nutrients, pesticides. And also as a social issue, you have the job creation and obviously the income diversification opportunity for small, medium and big farmers.”

The goal of the webinar is to invest in research and to build a collaborative approach that would ensure Belize’s hemp sector thrives.