11 Belizean beekeepers ready to train others in honey by-product diversification after training in Mérida, Mexico

Belize’s beekeeping sector now has more trained educators and industry leaders following a three-day Training of Trainers workshop on honey by-product diversification held in Mérida, Yucatán, from Tuesday to Thursday, May 6 to May 8, 2025.

Eleven

The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC), and the Climate Resilient Agriculture Project (CRESAP), aimed to strengthen climate resilience in Belize’s beekeeping sector.

The Belizean delegation included seven leaders from beekeeper groups, educators from secondary and tertiary institutions, and representatives from MAFSE and BMDC. Their participation was designed to equip industry leaders with the skills needed to expand honey production beyond its traditional form, introducing propolis, beeswax, and royal jelly as valuable by-products that can diversify income streams for beekeepers.

With this newly gained expertise, participants are now prepared to train and support beekeeper groups across Belize, increasing technical knowledge and helping the industry build climate resilience.

Belizean participating in honey by-product diversification workshop in Mérida, Yucatán – Photo Credit: MAFSE

Building climate resilience through innovation

The workshop was part of the CRESAP project, which focuses on enhancing agricultural resilience amid climate change. As Belize faces growing environmental challenges, the beekeeping sector plays a critical role in food security and biodiversity conservation. Training in honey by-product development offers beekeepers innovative ways to sustain their livelihoods, strengthen the industry, and reduce economic vulnerability.

To support implementation, each participant received product development kits, allowing them to train fellow cooperatives and organized beekeeper groups in Belize. The goal is to create a ripple effect, ensuring that the knowledge and skills gained in Yucatán translate into national growth and industry-wide advancements.

A step forward for Belize’s beekeeping industry

By engaging in this hands-on training, Belizean beekeepers and educators are positioning the industry for long-term sustainability. The initiative reflects the commitment of Belize’s agricultural sector to innovation, education, and climate-adaptive farming while opening new business opportunities for honey producers.

Participants will now return to Belize, where they are expected to share their expertise, fostering a nationwide movement toward a more diversified, resilient, and profitable beekeeping industry.

Belizean participating in honey by-product diversification workshop in Mérida, Yucatán – Photo Credit: MAFSE

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