PM Briceño Opens Country Foods Corn Processing Factory to Boost Food Security

Belize’s food security and agro-industrial development.  The grand opening ceremony was held yesterday with Prime Minister John Briceño delivering the keynote address. In his remarks, the Prime Minister commended Country Foods for investing in value-added production by processing locally grown corn, noting that such initiatives can help strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imports.  The new factory has a production capacity of 30 tons per day, which Country Foods says is sufficient to meet local demand. According to company representative Ervin Plett, the facility is also being positioned to access export markets. The minsa will be sold under the “TAZTY” brand.  Supporters of the project say the factory is expected to contribute to national food security, provide a stable outlet for local corn farmers, and create additional employment opportunities, particularly in the Spanish Lookout area. At the same time, analysts note that the success of the operation will depend on sustained supply from local producers and the company’s ability to compete in both domestic and regional markets.  Country Foods explained that the concept for the minsa factory emerged in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rising food prices, unemployment, and supply disruptions highlighted Belize’s dependence on imported staples. The company reports that it has invested approximately $2.8 million in the project, with much of the equipment imported from China.  Government data shows that in 2024, Belize imported 5.23 million pounds of minsa, valued at $4.36 million. Officials say local production could help conserve foreign exchange, though they caution that measurable savings will depend on output levels and consumer uptake.  Prime Minister Briceño was joined at the ceremony by Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries Rodwell Ferguson; Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change and Cayo Northeast Area Representative Orlando Habet; Minister of State in the Agriculture Ministry Alex Balona; and Senior Advisor Hugh O’Brien.