Cabinet Urges Commercial Agreement With Cane Farmers Be Extended for Six Months

In agricultural news, Cabinet issued a statement today the Prime Ministers and his advisors are concerned that a Commercial Agreement between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industry Limited (BSI/ASR) will not be reached in time for the opening of the sugar season. Therefore, Cabinet is of the view that the current Commercial Agreement should be extended for six months. A Government Press Office release outlines Cabinet’s position on the matter saying, “Cabinet views it as critical that the 2021-2022 sugar cane harvest begins in December 2021 as is programmed regardless of whether or not a new agreement on the Commercial Cane Purchase Agreement is reached.” The current Commercial Agreement between both parties expires in January 2022. Both parties remain at odds over key aspects of the agreement heading into the scheduled harvest season. When asked about the possibility of commencing the season without an agreement in place, VP of International Relations at ASR/BSI Mac McLachlan said on Friday that the company is in discussion with its legal advisors.