Minister of Agriculture criticizes ASR influence amid sugar industry shakeup

Published by BBNTEAM at April 24, 2025

Posted: Thursday, April 24, 2025. 8:40 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai has expressed strong criticism towards American Sugar Refining (ASR), the multinational company that plays a dominant role in the sugar industry. This follows a controversial decision made by Prime Minister John Briceño to shift the oversight of the sugar cane industry from Mai to Dr. Osmond Martinez, a move that has drawn significant backlash from the cane farmers he represents.

During an interview with CTV News of Orange Walk, Mai revealed that he only learned about the Prime Minister’s meeting with ASR officials in the United States after it had taken place. He voiced concerns over the rationale behind the emergency discussions and suggested that ASR has already been granted ample concessions over the years, rendering any claims of emergency questionable.

“I don’t know what the concerns are that were discussed with the Prime Minister in the States,” said Mai, suggesting that while farmers felt the move was “treason,” he saw it as a chance for someone new to do things differently – while withholding judgment on whether it would work.

Mai went on to list various benefits ASR has received, including tax concessions and fuel subsidies, which he referred to as “double dipping,” as well as having the sole ability to sell sugar in the United States and Belize, in each of which there is a virtual monopoly. He highlighted the challenges facing the industry, including the ongoing battle against fusarium disease and the impact of climate change.

Additionally, Mai emphasized the urgency of making the results of a pending Commission of Inquiry public. He argued that the survival of the sugar industry hinges on the implementation of necessary reforms. “There has to be serious changes in the industry… if those changes are not done, we won’t survive,” he stated, underscoring the need for fair legislation that protects all parties involved.

The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) has called on Government to meet with it over its concerns as its agreement with BSI/ASR comes up for review after the close of this year’s sugar crop.

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