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Belize onion farmers call for import restrictions and market support

The Ministry of Agriculture recently orchestrated a pivotal gathering with onion cultivators from northern Belize, aiming to bridge communication between government bodies and stakeholders in the onion production sector. This assembly provided a platform for officials to disseminate updates on the current state of onion production and for farmers to express their concerns and challenges directly impacting their livelihoods.

During this engagement, farmers submitted a letter with several requests, including the enforcement of stricter import regulations, a push for the market to favor locally produced onions, and the provision of financial and technical support to enhance their farming operations. Andrew Mejia, Director of Extension Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, shared insights into the meeting's outcomes, emphasizing the importance of ensuring farmers can market their produce effectively and that local consumers have access to these products.

A critical topic of discussion was the continuous importation of onions, which has led to market saturation and adversely affected local farmers' ability to compete. Orlando Eck, Chairperson of the Conception Farmers' Cooperative, highlighted the challenges with pricing and sustainability in the onion market, underscoring the need for a strategic approach to balance supply and demand for various onion varieties within Belize.

This assembly marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns of onion farmers in Belize, fostering dialogue, and seeking solutions to bolster the local onion farming industry. With ongoing discussions and anticipated government feedback, farmers maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook toward securing a more sustainable future for onion production in Belize.

Source: Love FM

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