Small farmers groups invited to apply for investment grants

In an effort to boost Belizean farmers, GOB is inviting small holder farmers to apply for grants under a new agreement the International Fund for Agricultural Development and Green Climate Fund. According to the Ministry of Economic Development, the programme supports investment in the cultivation of market-driven priority products; vegetables: cabbage, carrots, hot pepper, onion, sweet pepper and tomato, fruit: pineapple and honey. The MGF fund will not be financing the producer organizations in the form of cash, but will be in investments through the submission of business plans. The maximum grant is $240,000 for registered groups of more than 17 members and $60,000 for 10 or more members for non-registered groups. The application form is available at the Ministry of Agriculture office in each district. The program aims to build resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change by adopting climate resilient practices, increase and diversify production; and facilitate access to commercial markes for surplus production.