Primary Industries

The agricultural sector has traditionally been the largest contributor to GDP. In 2008, the sector generated Bz$232.1 million towards Gross Domestic Product (GDP)³. In 2007, Belize’s traditional export crops which are citrus, sugar, and bananas generated $273.1 million.⁴ Figure 1 below illustrates GDP contribution by sector.

Figure 1: Contribution to GDP by Sectors

Source: Abstract of Statistics 2002, 2007, SIB.

Sugar

Sugar has been Belize’s largest contributor to the agricultural sector. Sugarcane is cultivated in the northern districts of Orange Walk and Corozal by over 5,300 cane farmers on approximately 23,100 to 26,300 hectares of land. Both the Orange Walk and Corozal Cane Farmers Association supply the Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI), the sole processor of sugar in Belize, with sugarcane. read more

Citrus

Citrus is the second largest agricultural industry. Cultivation is concentrated in the Southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo. However, expansion in cultivation has been recorded in the Western district of Cayo. The total area under cultivation is approximately 27,977 hectares. Members of the Belize Citrus Growers Association provide Citrus Products of Belize Ltd., the main processor, with citrus fruits, mainly oranges, and grapefruits. read more

Bananas

Banana cultivation is concentrated in the Southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo. The total area of cultivation is 6,175 acres.¹⁰ read more