Fair-trade Drops Bombshell on B.S.C.F.A.

Just when you thought you’d gotten all the bad news the sugar industry could dish out, there is more. News Five has confirmed that fair-trade has written to the B.S.C.F.A. in regards to the motion passed on Sunday to disburse some four million dollars to cane-farmers. The money which farmers are demanding is fair-trade money allocated for projects to benefit the farmers. In the letter addressed to B.S.C.F.A. Chairman Ezequiel Cansino, fair-trade consultant Julia Clark states, “While I understand that these are difficult times, I am concerned that in changing the premium plan approved at the Ordinary General Assembly the Association may have entered into a major non-compliance.  Moreover I do not see how the Association can remain compliant with fair-trade standards with no funds to pay for staff to guide and support farmers and no funds for projects to provide an incentive to farmers to remain compliant with fair-trade Standards.” Clark continues with a not so subtle caution that, “I am therefore concerned that this decision effectively signals the departure of B.S.C.F.A. from the fair-trade movement and all the benefits that have been received in the past and can be received in the future.” She ends by imploring the Association to hold on the disbursement of checks until it has fully considered the implications for the industry.