Belize minister bullish on Wambugu apple research at CASE

BELIZE’S Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries Rodwell Ferguson believes research into the cultivation of the Wambugu apple at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, could provide a valuable blueprint for other Caricom countries seeking to diversify local agricultural production and strengthen food security. Ferguson expressed this view during a visit to CASE on October 1, where he inspected the fruit first-hand as part of efforts to assess its potential for cultivation in Belize.

The minister said his interest was sparked by the prospect of cultivating apples in tropical climates, noting that the fruit has traditionally been associated with colder regions and temperate growing conditions.

“I was told apples can only grow in cold temperatures… and so it is always imported from the USA [and] Canada. This would be a significant step forward if we can get it grown in the region. People across the world eat apples… they eat grapes. So, it would be good [if] we could grow [them] in Belize and [make them] marketable,” Ferguson told JIS News.