Commercialization of alternative crops

The newly created, nonprofit Belize Agri-Business Company (BABCO) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) will oversee implementation. The project will focus on private sector efforts to develop nontraditional crops (e.g., vegetables, oilseeds, and grains) to replace or supplement sugar cane production. BABCO, which will be directed by a private/public sector Board of Directors, will engage a prime contractor who, utilizing several subcontractors, will identify potential crops; gather information regarding production, processing, and marketing opportunities; and organize these commodities for marketing. In the case of export crops (particularly vegetables for the U.S. winter market), U.S. packers/shippers with established markets will work as subcontractors and help identify crops, producers, and the need for additional information or services (e.g., field trials, soil analyses, assistance with pest and weed control). It is expected that these firms (no longer under contract) will go on to organize marketing operations, preferably in co-ventures with Belizean entrepreneurs or grower associations. Two or more export crops will be developed to the commercial stage during the project. In the case of import substitution crops, the contractor will: determine the production/processing feasibility of soybean and sesame varieties and arrange for field testing (probably through CARDI); along with BABCO, seek (and perhaps provide TA to) local entrepreneurs as processors; and work closely with the MNR to interest farmers in soybean/sesame production. The contractor will also work with CARDI and the MNR to develop a research program aimed at increased yields of staples for local markets and will ensure that any pesticide use associated with the project is in accordance with A.I.D. regulations. The project"s public sector component will provide a management consultant to help the MNR define its role in promoting nontraditional crops. This effort will culminate in a specific plan for MNR strengthening; TA, on-the-job training, and commodities will be provided to execute this plan. Amendment of 1/31/90 adds a new project subpurpose -- to strengthen the public sector entities responsible for fisheries and land titling -- and modifies the private sector component to reflect experience to date and enhance capacity to introduce new crops. (1) The project will upgrade the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture"s Fisheries Unit to manage coastal resources; this will include long- and short-term training, development of a coastal management plan, public awareness activities, and an innovative financing program. (2) A computerized land titling system will be developed, administered by the Department of Lands and Surveys, within the Ministry of Natural Resources; the project funds hardware, software, TA, and training. Policy dialogue will be a part of both public sector components. (3) To complement BABCO"s crop diversification efforts, the amendment adds assistance to the Belize Enterprise for Sustained Technology (BEST -- a PVO), which will provide management support to cooperatives and other organizations serving small farmers and fishermen. (PD-ABC-813)