The Future of Agriculture in Stann Creek is Diversification

Rodwell Ferguson

Ferguson says the projected rebound of the citrus industry is a result of investments from Citrus Products of Belize Limited and large scale farmers. According to the minister, small scale citrus farmers are being eliminated from the industry. He says they have no interest in replanting citrus at this point in time. But, the good news is that some of those very farmers are now diversifying into new products.

Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West

“To be very frank and honest the rebuilding that is taking place is maybe by the company and a few big farmers. So, at this point in time I can safely say that the small farmers are being eliminated. They have no interest to replant at this time. Maybe five years from today, when they see a transition they might decide to replant back oranges. But the majority of small farmers that make up the citrus industry. So, a combination of big farmers of the company use to produce eight million boxes at one point in time. Many farmers are diversifying as I speak, into pineapple, coconut, sour sop. So I will see an added feature in the near future. We have many juices we can offer. Ever since the industry offered only orange and grapefruit concentrate, in the early seventies they had they grapefruit. But if they are now going to diversify, and they have to upgrade the factory, I am very supportive of that and I hope it can be done.”