When we left you on Friday, it was with the news that BSI had capitulated and agreed to table the discussion of bagasse for a special meeting tomorrow. The BSI letter said, they are willing to discuss, in non-prejudicial talks, quote, "how the dispute between the parties on the matter of…payment for bagasse can be dealt with," end quote. Well, the cane farmers sent their response to that invitation this evening, and it is not encouraging.
The letter says, quote, "we are prepared to meet with your at the time, date and venue proposed…provided that the agenda for the meeting deals solely with the conclusion of the negotiation of a new commercial agreement including the payment for bagasse.
Now, the BSI meeting as proposed is not to discuss a new commercial agreement; and the bagasse subject is only being added as a non-binding sidebar.
So where do things go next? Well, in their letter today, the Cane farmers tell BSI "Kindly confirm your agreement to our response." Up to newstime, no response was forthcoming, which likely means no meeting will be held as planned tomorrow. That means - with a week to go before the harvest is scheduled to be opened, the standoff over bagasse continues and this vital industry remains imperiled.
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