Belize explores Wambugu apple cultivation to boost food security

Belize is investigating the potential cultivation of Wambugu apples to enhance regional food security and reduce reliance on imports from the United States and Canada. Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson visited the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, Jamaica, on October 1 to inspect the fruit and evaluate its suitability for tropical climates.

Research conducted at CASE may serve as a model for other CARICOM nations looking to diversify agricultural production. Latoya Panton, managing director of Summit Apple Orchards, noted that her company imports Wambugu apple plants from Kenya for distribution across the Caribbean. Panton expressed interest in expanding production to commercial levels to support future exports.