Trucks handed over for rural development project

During brief ceremonies today the Government of Belize handed over three brand new Toyota Hilux pickup trucks to be used in the Belize Rural Development Project. According to Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Sandra Hall, the vehicles will be used by district agriculture officers to visit rural farmers in Corozal, Stann Creek and Cayo. The B.R.D.P. is an initiative of the European Union, with some seven point six million U.S. dollars to be used over a five year period. The project is being managed on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture by Doctor Marcellino Avila, officials from the E.U. and government representatives. We understand that three other vehicles will be purchased in the next budget year to meet the needs of farmers in the Toledo, Orange Walk and Belize districts.