A one week training program in basics of agriculture basics for cacao farmers concluded on Saturday in Punta Gorda.

Paul Mahung reporting...

"The training was in connection with areas of interest related to the Mayan House of Cacao and Chocolate Museum project in Toledo which is being funded by the European Union through the Belize Rural Development Project. Technical Field Officer for the European Union project here and Toledo Cacoa Growers Association, Justino Peck spoke of the training program.

Justino Peck - Technical Field Officer

"The Mayan House of Cacao and Chocolate Museum which is a European funded project has undergone a one week training course in basic agriculture business and entrepreneurship training which involved men, women and youths. We had a total of 50 participants during this week. This is just a component of the three components of the project, which is one, the building of the Mayan House of Cacao and Chocolate Museum, the other is the rehabilitation project of cacao farms for farmers which will soon take place."

Peck further commented that related to the ongoingMon. May training program, four Toledo women cacao farmers will be going to Trinidad next month to pursue a one week training program in Cacao Value ad processing techniques.

Coordinator of the Mayan House of Cacao and Chocolate Museum Project Pedro Witz spoke of plans for project.

Pedro Witz - Coordinator

"Basically the objectives of the project is to contribute to poverty reduction, show an increase in employment and household income opportunities by further developing the indigenous cacao industry into agro processing and eco tourism opportunities. Specifically to establish a showcase Mayan House of Cacao and Chocolate Museum and train the local people to livelihood related to all aspects of the cacao added chain products and services."

Training sessions were held at UB- Toledo Campus.

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