Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association

Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association

The sugar industry is very important in Belize; sugar cane production and export represent 60% of Belize’s agricultural export production. About 6,000 farmers grow sugar cane, and many others are directly employed in sugar production. An example is the mill where the cane is cleaned, crushed, and processed. 

Sugar cane is used both for sugar production and as feed stock for ethanol production. Today an estimated of 40,000 acres of sugar cane in the northern lowlands are harvested every year. Approximately 8 tons of sugar cane is needed to produce 1 ton of sugar.

In the northern districts where cane is grown, 85% of the population is dependent directly or indirectly on the sugar industry. Many of the farmers are smallholders with very little land. In the past, these farmers have supplied the factory operated by Belize Sugar Industries, Ltd. These small farmers and the factory have faced many challenges including international sugar regimen changes, price fluctuations, and harsh weather conditions including Hurricane Dean in 2007, which devastated many of the plantations.

In February 2008, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association joined the Fair Trade system. As a result, 6,000 small-scale growers in this association now benefit from Fair Trade. 

FAIR TRADE’S IMPACT

The Fair Trade premiums have allowed the association to invest in social and economic development projects in the community, as well as quality improvement programs. These projects are approved by the general membership of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association.

Examples include:

• Road Repair
• Health projects
• school facilities
• loans and special funds
• scholarships for children’s members to attend primary and secondary school
• building and renovating members’ houses.
• technical assistance and training for members
• capacity building

Related Links or sources

http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/press_office/press_releases_and_statements/feb_2008....