1. CARDI AND IICA COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES IN BELIZE Improving Lives Through Agricultural Research

2. Implementation of RedSICTA Project “Innovations to improve the competitiveness and the income of small white maize and bean producers of Jalacté and San Vincente, Toledo District, Belize ”

3. Farmer group chairman signing compliance agreement for the RedSICTA project Signing of partnership for the execution of the RedSICTA Project.

4. Launching of Red SICTA Project on 26 November 2009

5. Evaluation and validation of new varieties of White maize and black beans

6. Improved white maize grain and seed production using improved practices 10 manzanas of white maize for commercial grain in 2009 10 manzanas of black beans for commercial grain in 2009/2010 80 manzanas of white maize for commercial grain in 2010 4 manzanas of white corn seed multiplications in 2010 95 manzanas of beans for commercial grain in 2010/2011 20 manzanas of black bean seed multiplication in 2010/2011 10 manzanas of white maize for commercial grain in 2009 10 manzanas of black beans for commercial grain in 2009/2010 80 manzanas of white maize for commercial grain in 2010 4 manzanas of white corn seed multiplications in 2010 95 manzanas of beans for commercial grain in 2010/2011 20 manzanas of black bean seed multiplication in 2010/2011

7. Reduce harvest and post harvest losses by introducing appropriate harvesting, drying and storage systems Three motorized corn shellers imported and used by farmers in November 2009 and would be modified in 2010. 20 grain storage tanks (storage capacity ~ 816.5 kg) delivered to San Vicente & Jalacte farmer groups (2 tanks each to 10 farmers) – For home use and market supply Training provided on how to set up and use grain storage tanks Three motorized corn shellers imported and used by farmers in November 2009 and would be modified in 2010. 20 grain storage tanks (storage capacity ~ 816.5 kg) delivered to San Vicente & Jalacte farmer groups (2 tanks each to 10 farmers) – For home use and market supply Training provided on how to set up and use grain storage tanks

8. Reduce harvest and post harvest losses by introducing appropriate harvesting, drying and storage systems - 2009 Demonstration on shelling of corn Introduction of artificial dryer

9. IICA/RedSICTA Exchange visit to Guatemala - Farmers and Technical personnel IICA/RedSICTA Exchange visit to Guatemala - Farmers and Technical personnel

10. Other Activities Other Activities Biosafety Committee/Council Integrated Farming Systems Biosafety Committee/Council Integrated Farming Systems

11. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION Improving Lives Through Agricultural Research