User talk:SaulOsorio

Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI)
The Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI) primarily focuses on the betterment and competiveness of the sugar industry in Belize through an efficient production system through a strong research and extension program.

SIRDI is funded by the European Union which in managed by IICA-Belize for strengthening of SIRDI's various projects. With the financial aid available, they can carry out research on methods that will help cane farmers and the industry to yield better production of sugar cane in both quality and quantity resulting in a more income generation for the north of Belize.

History
The loss of the EU preferential Market and downward trend in prices on sugar and the increase in the cost of production demands for a competitive Belizean Sugar Industry. The Industry realized that in order to achieve competitiveness, it is imperative to develop and implement an efficient production system through a strong research and extension program which led to the launching of the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute.

SIRDI was officially launched on December 15, 2010 in Orange Walk District, Belize. At the time only seven employees were a part of the institute. The first and present Director of SIRDI is Mr. Marcos Osorio. The staff has now grown to 22 employees last reported in 2015.

The European Union first began funding and strengthening the various projects on 2012 under the management of IICA-Belize.

Mission
To facilitate the development of an efficient and productive Sugar Industry Research and Extension Programme that is economically viable, financially sustainable and environmentally friendly, aimed at increasing productivity by facilitating an efficient production system through the introduction of improved technologies and cultural practices for a Green Production System.