FAO Boosts Coconut Sector Resilience in Belize through Soil Training

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative and Soil Doctors Program, partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) to conduct a Soil Sampling Training in Central Farm, Belize. The training held on August 30, targeted coconut field technicians from the private sector as well as MAFSE extension officers to improve soil health management in the coconut sector, a key commodity under OCOP in Belize.

The session equipped participants with practical skills in soil sampling, handling, and laboratory preparation. These are essential steps to generate reliable soil test results that inform land and nutrient management decisions, ultimately guiding farmers toward healthier soils and more productive fields. Participants engaged in hands-on field exercises, strengthening their ability to diagnose soil conditions and support sustainable production practices.

This training advances FAO’s OCOP initiative in Belize, which prioritizes coconut due to the country’s favourable growing conditions and rising export potential. With over 15,000 acres under coconut cultivation and increasing international demand for coconut-based products, the OCOP programme is designed to build national capacity, strengthen value chains, and unlock new opportunities for smallholder farmers and agri-enterprises.

The Soil Doctors Programme, together with OCOP initiative, emphasizes farmer-to-farmer extension, empowering local champions to guide communities in maintaining soil fertility and adopting climate-smart practices. This approach supports Belize’s broader goals of enhancing food security, conserving natural resources and strengthening resilience to climate change.

About OCOP in Belize

FAO’s One Country One Priority Product initiative supports Belize in advancing its coconut sector by promoting sustainable practices, value addition, and market opportunities. With ideal agroecological conditions for coconut cultivation, Belize has seen increasing global demand for its coconut-derived products. However, the sector faces constraints such as limited data, fragmented markets, and deficient crop management practices. OCOP aims to overcome these barriers by supporting data systems, enhancing public-private collaboration, and fostering innovation for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural growth.