7 News Belize

PUP With Cane Farmers, Against BSI
posted (November 13, 2013)

The northern caucus of the People's United Party announced today that it supports the Cane farmers on the issue of bagasse, and they urge the Government to intervene and ensure that the stalemate is resolved amicably.

Last night, we showed you the position of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association after BSI refused to entertain their request to be paid for bagasse. As we've told you, bagasse is the by-product of sugar cane, which BSI then uses to generate and sell electricity – so the farmers say they shouldn't get it for free. BSI has countered by citing the cane farmers should not enjoy anything from that arrangement since it is BSI who has made all the investments and legwork to make the arrangement possible.

Well the Northern Caucus of the PUP says that BSI's reasoning is wrong. The premise of that declaration, according to the Opposition is that, the cane farmers have invested more than 5 million dollars to make it possible by producing 300,000 tons of raw materials, which ends up at as bagasse, which BSI utilizes to generate renewable energy.

They therefore call on BSI to honor a revenue sharing agreement which respects bagasse as a bi-product, and which the cane farmers have a stake in.

The release says, quote, "The PUP Northern Caucus calls on the Minister of Agriculture and the Government of Belize to ensure that negotiations resume and that farmers be justly and equitably rewarded for their effort and hard work and investment." End Quote.

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