Beef-Processing Plant Planned for Fireburn Could Open Belize’s Cattle to World Markets

Ferguson also had news on a major proposal for Belize’s cattle industry: a beef-processing plant that investors want to build in the Orange Walk District. Ferguson says it could open doors to markets around the world. He added that the investors behind the plant are aiming to meet USDA standards, and once they do, Belize can export practically anywhere. The facility is planned for Fireburn in the Orange Walk District and would process meat cuts locally.

 

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture

“When I was appointed the minister of agriculture, the PM and I wanted to thank him for it. I recognised that cattle were going across the border on the hoof. I want to recognise we have a legal trade with Mexico and a contract for ten thousand heads per year, and so that will not change; that will remain. But we have a herd of two hundred and seventeen thousand castles, so I believe that is a start for a processing plant coming to Belize and processing meat cuts – only meat cuts.  So I believe that is a start for a processing plant to come into Belize and process only meat cuts. And particularly for the international market, CARICOM, Central America, the guys are trying to get the USDA standard. So once they get the USDA standard, we can export to any part of the world practically. And they are saying they can develop the meat. We have marble that is a better quality meat for the consumer. So, we are very hopeful. The state of Kansas, Kansas City and I made contact with them over the last two months. They are on the ground now; they are moving very fast, and the plant will be set up in Fire Burn in the Orange Walk District.”

 

Minister Ferguson says groundbreaking is expected as soon as the facility’s investors go through the necessary regulatory processes locally. They are aiming for a three-year period to complete the facility.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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