And as mentioned, a major part of the deal is that while the core sampler will be removed - it will be replaced by an alternate system of determining cane quality. It is called a new mechanism and BSI’s Finance Director Belizario Carballo says it will be key to the survival of the industry.
Belizario Carballo, Director of Finance – BSI
“How will we go about ensuring that we deliver of mature clean and fresh cane and this new mechanism is really a plan that has been elaborated that and needs to be fleshed out. But for the time being it is a plan that has some core components which seek to ensure that the cane that is going to be delivered is of fresh, mature, and clean and that is really the basis of the plan – to see how we can bring about technical assistance, how we can bring about systems of replanting, of rehabilitation in the field; how we can address the problems in the field side to ensure that the cane is indeed being not only cultivated but actually harvested and delivered in a way that will show that quality is improved year on year. And so that is the basis of the plan that I said needs to be elaborated. It needs the collaboration of other stakeholders to ensure that it is going to work.”
Alfonso Noble, Wave Radio
“How long before you all start implementing the new system?”
Belizario Carballo,
“The new system will start implementation immediately. There are components of it that can be addressed immediately. There are other components that will require more time which will require investment in field but there are other components of it that are a matter of changing practice and coordination of how the cane is delivered and like I said some of that has to be elaborated. But there are some mechanisms that can be put in place from now. So I would say that the process starts immediately.”
Alfonso Noble,
“Will cane farmers still be getting paid by quality of cane?”
Belizario Carballo,
“No. Core sampling will no longer be used and therefore the payment will be on an average basis. For the time being going forward, it will be payment based on average price.”
We were unable to determine if the demand to remove Nemencio Acosta as Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board will be met. If we go by their figures, BSI lost about $6 million during the ten day strike. We should note that industry consultant Jose Novelo and Senator and BSI Board Member Godwin Hulse were key in the negotiations.
