Belize Hands Over CIRSA Presidency After Year of Regional Leadership

Belize has officially concluded its term at the helm of a key regional agricultural body, as Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, yesterday handed over the presidency of the Comité Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CIRSA).  The handover took place during the 73rd Ordinary Meeting of CIRSA being held in Guatemala City on March 17 and 18. Belize had assumed the presidency of the regional body in April 2025 following the 72^nd Ordinary Meeting hosted in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.  CIRSA is comprised of Ministers of Agriculture from across Central America and serves as the parent organization of the Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CIRSA), which works to coordinate regional efforts in protecting plant and animal health.  During the ceremony, Minister Ferguson formally transferred the presidency to María Fernanda Rivera Dávila, Guatemala’s Minister of Agriculture. In his final address as president, Ferguson presented a report highlighting the work and achievements carried out during Belize’s tenure leading the organization.  Regional counterparts commended Ferguson for his leadership and contributions over the past year. As a symbol of appreciation, he was presented with a commemorative token, a flying locust, which represents the work and identity of CIRSA.  The ongoing meeting in Guatemala City is expected to focus on several pressing regional agricultural health concerns, including discussions on the New World Screwworm and other threats affecting livestock and crop production across Central America.  Officials say the discussions will continue to strengthen cooperation among member countries to safeguard agricultural productivity and food security throughout the region.