Belize Pushes Digital Innovation at FAO Regional Conference

Belize has highlighted the importance of digital innovation and climate-smart agriculture as key components of transforming agrifood systems during a major regional conference hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization.  The discussion took place at the Thirty-Ninth Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, where government representatives from across the region gathered in Brasília from March 2 through to the 6^th to outline priorities that will guide the organization’s work for the 2026–2027 period.  Representing Belize at the ministerial roundtable was Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries. During the discussions, Minister Ferguson emphasized that climate change, pests, and plant diseases continue to pose serious threats to food production and food security across the region.  Ferguson pointed to Belize’s own experience, noting that industries such as sugar cane, banana, and citrus are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related risks and emerging plant diseases. He stressed that stronger collaboration and technical cooperation with regional and international partners will be essential to address these challenges.  The minister also highlighted the role of technology in strengthening agriculture, advocating for the adoption of precision agriculture, biotechnology, early warning systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve resilience and productivity in the sector.  The conference concluded with member states adopting a regional roadmap aimed at advancing more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.  According to the FAO’s regional leadership, the priorities established at the meeting include strengthening food security and nutrition, expanding evidence-based public policies, mobilizing investment in agriculture, and accelerating technological innovation in food production systems.  The gathering brought together more than five hundred participants from thirty-two countries, including ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector.  Officials say the outcomes of the conference will help guide regional cooperation and policy development as countries work to address hunger, climate change, and sustainable agricultural development across the Americas.