A Modern Beef Processing Facility in OW?

The Ministry of Agriculture has consulted stakeholders on a proposed beef processing facility in Fireburn, Orange Walk, which Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson says could be completed within three years and help Belize gain access to international markets.

Investors Richard Caines, Susie Caines and Tanner Queen presented their preliminary plans for the facility during a stakeholder consultation at the Ministry of Agriculture’s headquarters in Belmopan on October 15.

Ferguson said the project would be privately funded, with the investors seeking government incentives and exemptions to bring in materials needed to build the facility.

Fireburn was considered a suitable location because existing infrastructure could support the project. “They have everything in place with the corral, the field ground, everything,” Ferguson said.

The proposed facility would process beef for local consumption and international markets. According to the Ministry, the operation would be designed to meet international standards for food safety, animal health, and quality assurance.

Ferguson said the investors are working towards meeting United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards, which could help Belize meet requirements for exporting beef to the United States and other markets.

“Once we have USDA standard, we can export to any part of the world practically,” he said.

Ferguson said there is demand for beef in the United States, where he noted that the product is expensive. “It’s very expensive over there, but as I said, there’s a demand for beef,” he said.

The Ministry says expanded processing capacity and access to export markets could create opportunities for cattle farmers, transport operators and other businesses connected to the livestock industry.