Prices for Belize Citrus Farms Remain Steady Despite Hurricane Damage

Dangriga, Belize, December 08, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Despite sustaining considerable damage during Hurricane Richard in late October, there is a silver lined cloud for Belize citrus farmers who are looking to sell their farms.

The average purchase price for citrus farms in Belize remains steady and is even rising in some areas due to very high prices for citrus products on the world market, according to David Gobeil, owner of Belize Property Agents, a Belize real estate company.

"What we’re seeing is almost record high payouts to the farmers for their fruit this year," said Mr. Gobeil, who resides in Dangriga, the heart of the citrus belt in Belize. "So this is translating into more profit for the farmers, which in turn leads to the farms being worth more on the market."

"The prices paid to farmers for their fruit in Belize is dependent on the world market prices," he said.

Mr. Gobeil said there was approximately a 30 per cent loss of fruit industry wide in Belize, and some farms lost trees during the storm, which produced winds of about 100 miles-per-hour.

"One would assume that with the farms sustaining damage that prices would be lower for the farms," said Mr. Gobeil. "But the damage has been offset by the world citrus prices which is a stroke of luck for citrus farmers in Belize."

Prices for citrus farms in Belize average approximately $1,500 to $3,000 per acre, said Mr. Gobeil.

"There are a multitude of factors to consider when looking at prices," he said. "I can’t even begin to get into it right now but if people would like more information on the citrus industry in Belize they can contact me at our Belize real estate website and we’d be happy to answer all of their questions."

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