February 23 2018, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE—
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has presented the 5th disbursement towards the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project between Belize and Taiwan.
The “Genetic Improvement for Sheep and Goat Breeding Belize –Taiwan Project” Agreement was signed on December 2, 2015. It is a three-year project with an approved total budget of approximately $1.62 Million US Dollars, of which both Governments contribute and cooperate together. This project, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Technical Mission of Taiwan, is the first bilateral project regarding livestock development strengthening cooperation with Taiwan and it will take advantage of the favorable natural situation to boost the development of small ruminant industry.
Belize has the highest potential in small ruminant production in Central America/Caribbean Area because of its geographical features and natural environment, but there is still a shortage of good breeds of sheep and goat in the country. Therefore, the purpose of Sheep Project is to assist in expanding the infrastructure at the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center in Central Farm, introducing quality breeding stocks and building the capacity of technicians and farmers to improve the general production of sheep. To fulfill this ultimate goal, the Agreement between the Government of Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Belize on the above-mentioned project was signed and has been implemented since December 2015. The fifth disbursement will be used for breeding sheep purchasing, hosting teacher-training sessions for livestock extension officers and breeding sheep barn maintenance.
The Sheep Project is a three-year project and has accomplished many targets since December 2015 as expected, including completion of a large sheep barn which has been acknowledged as the best in Central American regional building, historical importation of purebred Dorper and Barbados Blackbelly sheep from USA, several workshops for livestock extension officers and farmers, establishment of reproductive laboratory in Central Farm and core-farmer selection and operation. By the guidance and professional experiences from Republic of China (Taiwan), the Sheep Project achieved many aspects of success as project designed.
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is also excited to announce that for the purpose of benefiting sheep producers in Belize, the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center has been in operation and new genetic bloodlines of sheep are in production which is soon forthcoming as the newly imported breeding sheep from USA has been incorporated in a breeding program to produce the offspring. The number of quality breeding stock will be made available for sheep producers at reasonable prices. Through the numerous cooperation and exchanges of expertise, both parties expect the Purebred Sheep supply chain will be stable and put to good use.
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