Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute

18/09/2026

‼️MEALYBUG INTERVENTION NOTICE #4‼️

The Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute (SIRDI) wishes all Belizeans a Happy and Safe Independence Day! 🇧🇿🇧🇿

11/09/2026

‼️MEALYBUG INTERVENTION- NOTICE #3‼️

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

03/09/2026

❗️MEALYBUG INTERVENTION- NOTICE #2❗️

We are kindly asking for farmers to be on the lookout when the spraying team is in their area, and advise of any wells or drains that could damage the equipment.

28/08/2026

‼️MEALYBUG INTERVENTION NOTICE‼️

20/08/2026

August 20, 2026
SIRDI welcomed the Programme Management Officer from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), alongside representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for a tour of our Soil Testing Laboratory in our headquarters.

The visit highlighted advancements made through our recent IAEA-supported project and focused on future collaboration to strengthen soil analysis in Belize. We thank the IAEA for their continued technical partnership, support and shared commitment to sustainable agriculture.

20/08/2026

On August 18th, representatives from the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank (CAF) met with key stakeholders from SIRDI, SICB and the BACSuF Project to evaluate progress and prospective collaboration within Belize’s sugarcane sector. The engagement featured comprehensive presentations on industry analytics and operational challenges, followed by site visit of SIRDI’s Soils Laboratory, Bio-Factory, and irrigation demonstration plots.

20/08/2026

03/08/2026

July 31, 2026

Ya’axché Conservation Trust, in collaboration with the Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute (SIRDI), recently organized a two-day Farmer-to-Farmer Exchange, providing producers from the Maya Golden Landscape in southern Belize with the opportunity to learn from successful sustainable agriculture initiatives implemented in northern Belize. The visiting farmers were joined by sugarcane farmers from northern Belize who have diversified their farming systems, creating a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge, experiences, and practical insights on agricultural diversification and sustainable production.

Throughout the exchange, participants visited Sarteneja, Concepción, and SIRDI’s headquarters, where they interacted directly with local farmers and technical staff. These visits allowed them to observe practical examples of sustainable farming practices, agroforestry systems, and community-based development while discussing challenges, sharing experiences, and exploring innovative solutions.

Farmer-to-Farmer Exchanges play an important role in strengthening agricultural communities by fostering peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and the adoption of proven practices. This initiative was implemented under the FAO-supported project, "Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Belize's Maya Golden Landscape."

A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to making this exchange a meaningful and enriching experience.