Belize's Agricultural Heartland

Agriculture is a vital part of Belize's economy, with the country exporting crops such as sugar, bananas, and shellfish. Sugarcane is grown in the north of the country, in the districts of Orange Walk and Corozal, while bananas are cultivated in the southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo. Citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruits, are also a significant export, with production concentrated in the Stann Creek Valley. In addition to these large-scale crops, Belize produces smaller yields of coconut, cacao, and coffee, primarily for local consumption and the tourism industry.

Sugarcane is grown in the north

In the early 1990s, small farms in the north of Belize produced the majority of the country's sugarcane. The coordination of agricultural activities and the organisation of cane delivery were managed by the Cane Farmers' Association. Sugarcane is typically grown on small farms, with most farms in Belize being smaller than 100 acres (40 hectares). The crop thrives in Belize due to significant rainfall and a relatively stable year-round subtropical climate.

Sugarcane cultivation is not an easy task. It requires a tropical or subtropical climate and a minimum of 60 cm (24 inches) of annual moisture. The crop does not tolerate severe frost, and it is typically grown between 22°N and 22°S of the equator. Sugarcane can be cultivated on various soil types, from fertile mollisols to heavy vertisols and acidic oxisols. The successful growth of sugarcane also depends on efficient irrigation methods, as it requires a plentiful supply of water for a continuous period of 6-7 months.

The harvesting of sugarcane can be done by hand or mechanical means. Hand harvesting accounts for more than half of the production and is dominant in the developing world. Mechanical harvesting, on the other hand, uses a combine or sugarcane harvester, which can harvest up to 100 long tons (100 t) each hour.

Sugar derived from sugarcane accounts for 79% of the global sugar production. Sugarcane is an important crop not only in Belize but also in other countries such as Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, and Jamaica. It is a significant part of their economies and has historically been a major driver of large migrations and labour forces.

Citrus fruits are grown in Stann Creek Valley

Citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruits, are predominantly grown in Belize's Stann Creek District, with the Stann Creek Valley at the heart of the country's citrus industry. The valley has been home to citrus fruit production for over 100 years, with the industry kickstarted by three pioneers—Dr. Smith Osborne (S.O.) Browne, Alfred Edward (A.E.) Vine, and William Alexander Jex (W.A.J.) Bowman—who imported 900 budded grapefruit plants from Florida in 1913.

The Stann Creek Valley's citrus industry faced early challenges, with marketing difficulties due to protectionist policies in the United States. Despite this, the industry persevered, and by 1925-1926, regular exports of fresh grapefruit began. The colonial government also played a role in the industry's development, expanding citrus groves and constructing infrastructure for packing and shipping the fruit.

Over the years, the citrus industry in the Stann Creek Valley faced various setbacks, including plant diseases, hurricanes, and international market fluctuations. However, it has also seen many successes, with awards received for the high quality of the fruit and the establishment of new processing techniques and products. The industry reached a milestone in 1954, achieving one million dollars in sales.

The citrus industry in Belize has a long history, and the Stann Creek Valley remains a key region for the production of citrus fruits, contributing significantly to the country's economy and agricultural exports.

Banana production is centred in Stann Creek and Toledo

Banana production is a significant part of Belize's agricultural sector, making up 16% of the country's total exports in 1999. This production is centred in the southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo, with a total area of cultivation of 7,162 acres.

The success of banana cultivation in these regions can be attributed to the favourable climate and soil conditions found there. The warm, humid climate and rich, fertile soils provide ideal growing conditions for bananas. Additionally, the availability of water sources, such as rivers and streams, ensures adequate irrigation for the water-loving banana plants. The terrain in Stann Creek and Toledo also lends itself well to banana production, with gentle slopes and valleys that allow for proper drainage, a crucial factor in preventing soil-borne diseases common to banana plants.

The history of banana production in Belize is also closely tied to these regions. In 1991, the industry was privatised, and a growers' association took control of production in Stann Creek and Toledo. Through efficient management and improved technology, they raised banana production to record levels by the mid-1990s. This association played a pivotal role in combating the sigatoka disease, a significant threat to banana crops, by implementing innovative infrastructure and technological advancements.

While banana production in Belize has faced some setbacks, such as the closure of a major farm in October, which reduced the total acreage under cultivation, the industry is expected to have a good turnout in the coming years. This optimism is based on the anticipated yields from the cultivation of new farmland. The European Union, under the Economic Partnership Agreement, is Belize's major export market for bananas.

Mennonite immigrants have established efficient agricultural colonies

Belize's agriculture is vital to the country's economy, employing over one-third of its labour force and contributing to nearly 22% of its GDP in 1999. Most of the farms in Belize are small, with fewer than 20 hectares of land. However, Mennonite immigrants, who arrived in the country in the late 1950s, have established efficient agricultural colonies that dominate the domestic poultry and dairy markets.

The Mennonites are a group of Christians who live in closed communities and shun modern technology, including, in some cases, electricity. They originated from the radical Anabaptist movement during the 16th century and are named after Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who led the community in its early years. Due to government restrictions, particularly regarding their pacifist stance against military service, they have relocated multiple times. In 1958, they settled in British Honduras (now Belize), where they were offered land, religious freedom, and exemption from certain taxes and military service by the colonial authorities in exchange for their agricultural expertise.

The Mennonite community in Belize is diverse, with conservative and progressive members. The traditional members, known as Altkolonier, adhere to a stricter interpretation of their beliefs and can be identified by their denim dungarees and straw hats. They are often seen in the Cayo and Orange Walk districts and Belize City, engaging in trade to sell their produce and purchase supplies. On the other hand, the progressive members, known as Kleine Gemeinde, utilise modern conveniences such as electricity, power tools, trucks, and even cars.

The Mennonites have successfully established agricultural colonies in Belize, dominating the domestic poultry and dairy markets. They supply most of Belize's poultry, hardware, building supplies, vegetables, cattle, and dairy products. Their organic approach to farming has adapted well to modern shopping trends and sustainable tourism, which is prominent in Belize's national identity. They have also developed a reputation as skilled builders, with their wooden furniture gaining popularity in the region.

In conclusion, Mennonite immigrants have played a crucial role in the development of Belize's agriculture sector. By bringing their agricultural knowledge and expertise to the country, they have established efficient colonies that contribute significantly to the domestic market and have helped Belize achieve a solid and sustainable agricultural industry.

Belize's agriculture is vulnerable to natural disasters

Belize's agriculture sector is vulnerable to these natural disasters due to its reliance on small farms. Most farms are smaller than 100 acres (40 hectares), and traditional shifting cultivation is practised due to the nutrient-poor soils of the lowlands. These small farms are particularly susceptible to damage from hurricanes and storms, which can destroy crops and reduce food security. For example, Hurricane Keith in 2000 caused significant setbacks in the agricultural sector, and Hurricane Dean in 2007 destroyed over 90% of banana production and caused major losses to other important export crops.

The citrus industry in Belize is also vulnerable to disease, such as citrus greening (Huanglongbing) disease, which has led to a decline in production. Shrimp farming, another important industry, has struggled with a bacterial disease since 2015. These diseases, combined with the impacts of natural disasters, pose a significant threat to Belize's agriculture sector and the country's economy.

To mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, Belize has implemented several measures. The government created the Small Farmers and Business Bank in 1998 to provide financing for small farmers, who often struggle to obtain capital for improvements. Additionally, the country has adopted renewable energy technologies and is connected to a power grid in Mexico, which can provide some resilience in the event of disasters. However, more investments in infrastructure, irrigation, and modern agricultural equipment are needed to enhance Belize's resilience to natural disasters.

Overall, Belize's agriculture is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location, small farm structure, and lack of resources. The country has taken steps to mitigate these risks, but more investments and adaptations are necessary to protect this vital sector of the economy.

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