The Ministry of Investment, in collaboration with several key partners, has officially launched the Vanilla Training for Women and Girls in Western and Southern Belize project in the Toledo District. The initiative, designed to enhance income-generating opportunities for women in rural Belize, focuses on training 30 women in the cultivation and harvesting of vanilla.
Vanilla, native to Belize, is an emerging agricultural sector with the potential to significantly boost local economies. The training program will provide participants with hands-on skills in various aspects of vanilla farming, including propagation, hand-pollination, floral biology, and the harvesting and curing process. In addition to growing the crop, participants will also be taught about the export potential of vanilla, helping them connect with international markets.
The project also hopes to increase the acreage of vanilla cultivated in Belize, while educating participants on the importance of monitoring, data collection, and sustainable farming practices. Regional women’s groups will be trained to organize their efforts and develop the vanilla industry in the area. Furthermore, a propagation nursery will be established at the Bella Vista Government Secondary School to support ongoing training and community involvement.
The launch event, held in Bella Vista Village, brought together several notable figures, including Hon. Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade; Mrs. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, President of the National Women’s Commission (NWC); Senator Hon. Bevinton Cal; and Mr. Roberto Pan, Chief of Mission of the Taiwan Technical Mission, among others.
The training is being led by Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Nesbitt of Belize Permaculture & Renewable Energy Ltd., who bring expertise in sustainable farming practices to the project.
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