Delay Threatening Sugar Cane Crop

Belizario Carballo

Carballo says the consequence of a delayed crop, as well as the indefinite timeframe the process of litigation may take can certainly jeopardize the potential harvest which is estimated to be roughly one point three-five million tons of cane.

Via Phone: Belizario Carballo, Chief Financial Officer, B.S.I.

“In terms of the impact that it will have on the crop, it is significant and we are very concerned about that because in our view if the farmers support their leaders proceeding to sign the agreement that we have been discussing and negotiating for the past two years, in our view the process is clear.  We would proceed to sign the agreement next week, set a date to start the crop next week and then enter into what is the most interesting and important part of this whole process which is the parties engaging in a collaborative effort to come up with a strategic development plan.  That plan is the most important aspect of it because the industry is facing challenges in the near future and tomorrow we will already be in 2015.  So 2017 is very, very near and the parties need to start engaging in that process.  We need to put the agreement behind us and engage in working together to see what each of the parties need to do.  What will be their role and what would be their individual responsibilities to not only feature in the plan but… 00:59:15 Out:…to also implement. The effect of those who are seeking to derail and undermine this process is already having an economic effect and we would like to appeal to those farmers who really have a serious economic interest in cane to attend to their interest on Sunday and not only be present on Sunday but also make your voices be heard so that their interest can be secured.  Their interest, as well as any cane farmer’s interest is to get this crop started.  There is now the risk that this crop would be significantly affected and if it’s left to the courts and it’s lingering in the courts for weeks and perhaps months I think that we run the risk of losing this crop and kick starting the destruction of the industry by those who claim to be seeking to protect it.”