The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) was established in 2000 by the enactment of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act Chapter 47 of 1999, now known as the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act Chapter 211 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020.
The Statutory Body is recognized as the competent authority for agricultural health and food safety and assumed the responsibilities previously carried out by the Plant Protection and Animal Health Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The four (4) technical departments of BAHA: Plant Health, Animal Health, Food Safety and Quarantine are mandated to safeguard Belize’s agricultural health, strengthen food security and facilitate trade.
The Act, supported by Statutory Instruments (SIs), outlines measures for preventing and controlling plant and animal diseases in Belize, delineates quarantine measures and facilitates the safe trade of plants, plant products, animals, animal carcasses, animal products, animal drugs, feed, and litter and food commodities.
VISION, MISSION AND CORE VALUES
VISION
To be a trusted and respected Agricultural Health Authority that inspires confidence in the safety, wholesomeness and health of Belize’s agriculture, fisheries and food products
MISSION
To serve Belize by ensuring safe and wholesome food, strengthening national food security and facilitating trade and commerce by providing efficient, competent and professional services to protect human, animal and plant health, animal welfare and the environment.
CORE VALUES
Integrity
We are truthful, trustworthy and operate in a fair and ethical manner in all endeavours
Competence
We recruit, develop and retain a competent, creative and highly motivated staff. We maintain credibility and recognition through professional and technical capacity. We deliver effective and efficient services to our stakeholders
Inclusiveness
We value, recognize and respect every individual for their unique skills, talents and contribution to the delivery of our mandate. We support a healthy, personal and professional balance and offer competitive retirement, health and other benefits. We strive to exceed customer needs and expectations through competence, innovation and teamwork.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in the delivery of services, being professional, efficient, courteous, transparent and service oriented. We reward staff for their outstanding performance and professional development.
Accountability and Transparency
We take ownership and responsibility for our actions, in-actions, risks and results and use outcomes as learning opportunities. We develop effective policies and strategies in consultation with our stakeholders.
