PRESS OFFICE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Belmopan - 31 January, 2008

Earlier this week the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries imported from Guatemala eight [8] kilos of the California Red Worm. The worms are part of the Ministry's organic program to produce organic fertilizer from animal dung for use by small farmers.

Organic vegetables consumption is becoming very popular worldwide and the Ministry sees the potential for organic production in Belize to supply the tourism sector and to fill a latent niche market.

The worms will be reproduced in Central Farm and demonstration units will then be established at farms throughout the country. A Cuban specialist in vermiculture reproduction is on an 18-month assignment to assist the Ministry to establish and promote this program.