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Greetings from Cuzco,
The Otto's Tours Team
Agricultural Discovery Tour
Sugar cane, papaya, bananas, cacao, hot sauces and cattle ranching
From hidden Maya farms and indigenous agroforestry to large-scale Mennonite operations and the most innovative agricultural projects in Central America
An exceptional specialist tour for farmers, agricultural scientists, sustainability experts and travellers with an interest in nature. This study tour visits Belize's most important farms, cooperatives and agricultural showcase projects. It combines modern export agriculture with traditional Maya farming methods, sustainable agroforestry systems and innovative processing operations. The focus is on expert discussions with producers, farm managers and cooperatives, offering deep insight into the opportunities and challenges of tropical agriculture.
After arriving in Belize City, participants are welcomed by the tour guide and travel directly to Orange Walk, the centre
of Belize's sugar industry. During the drive, the tour guide gives a first introduction to the country's history, ethnic groups and
economic structure. Already along the way, extensive sugar cane fields shape the landscape and illustrate the central importance
of agriculture for Belize. The tour programme is presented over dinner together. This includes an overview of the various production sectors
to be visited over the coming days, among them sugar cane, livestock farming, cacao, coffee, bananas, spices, citrus fruits and
agroforestry. Participants receive an introduction to the climatic conditions of the tropics and the particular challenges
of agricultural production between rainforest, savannah and Caribbean coast.
Overnight: Orange Walk
Hotel: Lamanai Landing Hotel & Marina
The day begins with a visit to sugar cane producers in the Orange Walk District. On site, cultivation methods, crop rotation, yield optimisation,
irrigation management and the effects of international sugar prices are explained. We then tour Belize Sugar Industries and
follow the path of the sugar cane from delivery through processing to shipment. Afterwards we take a boat trip on the New River
to the Maya site of Lamanai. During the visit, the focus is in particular on the agricultural and supply systems of the Maya. After
lunch we return by boat with a stop in San Felipe. There we visit Jimmy's Farm as well as other family farms producing vegetables,
beans, maize, chili and papaya. Finally, we get to know a regional agricultural cooperative and discuss its role in
marketing, purchasing groups and farm development.
Overnight: Orange Walk
Hotel: Lamanai Landing Hotel & Marina
Today we visit the Mennonite settlement of Spanish Lookout, regarded as the economic powerhouse of Belizean agriculture. The day begins
at Western Dairies, where modern dairy farming, herd management, milking technology and milk processing are presented. We then tour
the Reimers Feed Mill and gain insight into the production of high-performance feed mixes for dairy cattle, poultry and pig farming.
After lunch we visit Quality Poultry Products, Belize's leading poultry producer. Topics include vertical integration, biosecurity,
feeding concepts and marketing strategies. In addition, we tour operations in the fields of pig farming, maize production and agricultural machinery.
Expert discussions with farm managers convey a comprehensive understanding of the efficient Mennonite way of doing business, which is based on family enterprises,
a high degree of personal responsibility and technological modernisation.
Overnight: San Ignacio
Hotel: Cahal Pech Village Resort
Today we drive through the Mountain Pine Ridge region to the impressive Maya metropolis of Caracol. During a specialist guided tour we look at
the agricultural foundations of the ancient city. Topics include terrace farming, water management, agroforestry systems, soil fertility and
feeding tens of thousands of inhabitants in the tropical rainforest. Afterwards we visit the Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On Pools. After lunch we drive
to San Antonio and visit a farm of the Maya Women's Cooperative. The cooperative combines traditional agriculture, food security and
cultural identity. During a walk through the fields, participants learn about traditional crops, seed conservation, medicinal plants and smallholder
production methods. In addition, we gain insight into small Maya coffee projects and their potential as a sustainable source of income.
Overnight: San Ignacio
Hotel: Cahal Pech Village Resort
In the morning we visit Running W Ranch, one of Belize's most important cattle breeding operations. Tropical pasture systems, genetic
improvement, animal health, rotational grazing and feed management are presented. Participants gain practical insight into the challenges of
meat production under tropical conditions. We then visit a regional operation specialising in feed production and pasture management.
After lunch we head south. On the way we visit Fruta Bomba Ltd., one of the country's most important papaya exporters.
Topics include seedling production, quality control, export certifications, traceability and the requirements of international sales markets. The
day impressively shows the differences between extensive livestock farming and highly specialised export crops.
Overnight: Hummingbird Highway
Hotel: The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
Today is devoted to two of Belize's major export industries. In the morning we visit farms of the Banana Growers Association.
Participants follow the production process from the seedling to the export container. The focus is on crop protection, quality management,
GlobalG.A.P. standards, work organisation and irrigation technologies. During an expert discussion, the current market requirements of European
retail chains are discussed. After lunch we turn to the citrus industry. At Citrus Products of Belize and on neighbouring plantations
we gain insight into the effects of citrus greening disease. Experts explain control strategies, variety development, research projects
and adaptation measures. The day illustrates the importance of phytosanitary risks for the long-term competitiveness of tropical agricultural production.
Overnight: Hummingbird Highway
Hotel: The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
In the morning we visit Marie Sharp's Fine Foods. During an in-depth factory tour we get to know the entire value chain of the
famous habanero sauces. From sourcing raw materials from regional farmers through processing and quality control to
international marketing, all production steps are explained. Tastings of various products round off the visit. We then
visit a women's cooperative in the Toledo District and gain insight into alternative income opportunities for Maya families. After
lunch we visit the Belize Spice Farm & Botanical Gardens. Vanilla, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and turmeric grow there in agroforestry
production systems. Participants learn about the particular features of tropical spice production and its economic potential.
Overnight: Hummingbird Highway
Hotel: The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
In the morning we visit the renowned cacao farm of Eladio Pop. The farm is considered a model example of traditional Maya agroforestry.
Participants follow the entire value chain from the cacao pod through fermentation and drying to artisanal chocolate making.
In the afternoon the focus is on the Toledo Cacao Growers Association. The cooperative unites numerous smallholders of the Toledo District and
markets certified organic and Fairtrade cacao on international markets. In addition to an introduction to certification procedures, various
member farms are visited. Participants get to know different agroforestry systems and gain insight into sustainable production methods,
forest protection measures and the economic importance of high-quality cacao production.
Overnight: Hellgate
Hotel: Tropical Magnolia Lodge, Botanical Garden & Spice Farm
In the morning we visit Copal Tree Farm, one of the most innovative agricultural projects in Central America. The farm combines cacao,
coffee, fruit growing, livestock and forestry in an integrated regenerative production system. The focus is on soil building, humus management,
carbon sequestration, water balance and biodiversity. Participants gain insight into modern concepts of regenerative agriculture and
how they are put into practice economically. After lunch we visit projects of the Ya'axché Conservation Trust. Landscape protection programmes,
agroforestry systems and partnerships with Maya communities are presented. The day impressively shows how economically successful agriculture and long-term
nature conservation can be developed together.
Overnight: Hellgate
Hotel: Tropical Magnolia Lodge, Botanical Garden & Spice Farm
On the way to the Caribbean coast we visit Silk Grass Farms. The company supplies hotels and restaurants with high-quality fruit,
vegetables and herbs. The focus is on sustainable production methods, irrigation, direct marketing and quality management.
We then tour a shrimp aquaculture project in the Placencia area or along the Placencia Lagoon. Water quality,
feeding, disease management, sustainability standards and export requirements are explained. Participants gain
insight into the importance of aquaculture as a growing sector of Belize's economy. In the afternoon we continue to Placencia, with time for a
walk along the Caribbean coast.
Overnight: Placencia
Hotel: Umaya Resort & Adventures
After ten intensive study days, today is all about Belize's unique coastal landscape. On a boat excursion we visit
one of the offshore islands of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system on Earth. While snorkelling, participants get to know
this globally significant ecosystem and receive information on the links between coastal ecology, fishing, tourism and
marine conservation. The free afternoon offers an opportunity to relax or pursue individual activities in Placencia. In the evening we meet for a
farewell dinner together at a Caribbean beach bar, where we look back on the many impressions of agriculture, sustainability, culture and
nature.
Overnight: Placencia
Hotel: Umaya Resort & Adventures
After breakfast we drive to the international airport of Belize City. On the way back we once again cross some of the country's most important agricultural regions and look back on the impressions of the past days. Participants have experienced the full range of Belizean agriculture: from sugar cane and dairy production through poultry farming, cattle breeding, papaya and banana export to cacao, spices, agroforestry and regenerative production systems. The many encounters with farmers, cooperatives, scientists and entrepreneurs convey a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of tropical agriculture in the 21st century.