Belize Begins Wheat Trials

Belize has launched its first major wheat varietal trials, aiming to reduce its heavy reliance on wheat imports. The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with CARDI and CIMMYT, is testing 100 wheat varieties suited for high temperatures and semi-arid conditions.

The trials will take place in the Cayo and Orange Walk Districts, with initial results expected by the end of 2025.

Between 2020 and 2024, Belize imported an estimated 45 to 50 million pounds of wheat and an additional 7 to 8 million pounds of wheat flour annually, amounting to nearly BZ $30 million in yearly import costs.

The ministry sees the wheat trials as a strategic move to reduce this dependency and enhance local agricultural resilience.