In a recent address to the House of Representatives, Minister of Health & Wellness Kevin Bernard discussed the adverse effects of citrus greening disease on the citrus industry in Belize. This conversation was part of the debate on proposed amendments to the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act, aiming to enhance the management and mitigation of agricultural crises.
Minister Bernard reminisced about the peak years of Belize's citrus industry, which saw its zenith in 2005 with citrus production reaching 8 million boxes, making it the country's leading export earner with $108 million in foreign exchange. However, the discovery of citrus greening or Huanglongbing in 2009 severely compromised the productivity and lifespan of citrus trees, leading to a drastic reduction in citrus production to just over half a million boxes and export earnings dropping to around $25 million per year.
Citrus greening, caused by a bacterium spread by the Asian citrus psyllid insect, affects all citrus varieties and has no known cure. Infected trees exhibit yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and produce bitter, misshapen fruit, eventually resulting in tree death. The rapid spread and destructive impact of citrus greening have positioned it as a major threat to the global citrus industry.
The proposed amendment to the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act, which passed after three readings, aims to classify major pest and disease outbreaks as national disasters. This classification would allow the Government of Belize to improve control and eradication efforts, support emergency measures to prevent the spread and coordinate national response efforts more effectively. Additionally, it would facilitate the government and affected stakeholders in securing donor and soft loan support to tackle the challenges posed by such threats.
By recognizing agricultural pest and disease outbreaks as national disasters, Belize seeks to bolster its preparedness and response capabilities, thereby protecting the country's economic stability and food security. Minister Bernard emphasized the need for vigilance and proactive measures to shield Belize's critical agricultural sectors from future devastating impacts.
Source: BBN