BELMOPAN, Belize – The Belize government has praised Taiwan for its contribution to the agricultural sector here following the success of the Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Sheep Project Phase II).
A ceremony was held Monday to mark the end of the nine-year project that had a total investment of BZ$10,837,108 (One Belize dollar=US$0.49 cents) from Taiwan and another BZ$1,500.000 from the Belize government.
“The Government of Belize expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for contributing greatly to the agriculture sector in Belize. This friendship and collaboration extend beyond the borders of Belize. The Government of Belize remains committed to the continued growth of this sub-sector for the benefit of the farmers and other stakeholders,” Belmopan sad in a statement.
It said that the project contributed to the vast growth of the sheep and goat sub-sector in Belize, which saw a 100 per cent growth over 10 years.
The authorities said that the project’s achievements included the construction of a state-of-the-art National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center, the importation of genetic stock of sheep and goats, the training of over 900 farmers, teachers, students, and technicians, as well as the establishment of a traceability system and the establishment of a functioning local market for sheep and goat products and by-products.
“The ceremony not only marked a historical milestone of the breeding sheep and goat industry in Belize but also highlighted the country’s growth within this sub-sector,” the statement added.
