The sugarcane crop will be starting much later this year. Today the PM - who is also the Minister of the Sugar Industry - told us it will commence in mid January - one month later than traditional starts. The industry is currently facing issues with the weather and with Fusarium. But Briceno also added that there is progress between BSCFA and BSI.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I think it's programmed for next year in January, I think it's around the middle of the month and the reason being because of the Fusarium problems, it has affected the amount of cane that is available and at the same time it allows them, there's been a lot of rain so hopefully by then it would be drier and make it easier to have a successful crop."
Reporter:
"Anything you know in relation to the commercial agreement between BSCFA and BSI?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"From what I'm being told, that is going well. The chairman of BSCFA did send me a message to say that the negotiations are going well. I think they're trying to settle on the length of the agreement. they wanted 7 years and I think BSI wanted less but that's still in working but there's goodwill on both sides in trying to find a commercial agreement in the interest of both sides."
