Will BSCFA Reprimand Farmers Who Delivered Cane during Impasse?

Alfredo Ortega

During the sugar impasse between B.S.I. and B.S.C.F.A., the factory allowed members of the association to deliver cane under an open agreement. Some members of the B.S.C.F.A. took on the offer and delivered cane to the factory for milling. So we asked the B.S.C.F.A.’s Vice Chairman, Alfredo Ortega if those farmers will be penalized for their decision. Here is his response.

Hipolito Novelo

“The members of BSA who delivered care, will they be expelled, punished, penalized, reprimanded for their decision to do so?

Alfredo Ortega, Vice Chairman, Committee of Management, B.S.C.F.A.

“Well, I’m unable to speak at this point in that regard. We will be dealing with it as soon as we finalize with the signature. And we close our meeting, we’ll be dealing with it, and based on what our farmers bring out, well, that is where we will be acting upon.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Is there a situation where you can see that BSCFA will forego the fair trade premium?

Alfredo Ortego

“No, no, no, no. The fairtrade premium is included in the negotiation that we have had with the prime minister. So he has promised us that he will be talking with the person in charge of Tate and Lyle. And, we expect that once we sign, that we can be, well, we are eligible for fair trade funds. The only thing is the negotiation, but we expect that with this new movement that has happened and, and what has transpired, we have been doing our peaceful movement and we expect that we be respected with that and that our premium be given to us as like any other association.”