Belize High Court Backs Cane Farmers in Fairtrade Premium Dispute

In a major win for Belize’s sugar cane farmers, the High Court has ruled that it will hear a high-profile case brought by the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association against Belize Sugar Industries and T&L Sugars Limited. The farmers claim they were cut out of Fairtrade premium payments for the 2021 and 2022 crop years, and they’re accusing the companies of conspiracy and breach of trust. The defendants tried to get the case thrown out, arguing that any dispute should be handled in London under an expired arbitration agreement. But the judge wasn’t convinced. He ruled that the Belizean courts do have jurisdiction, and that the farmers have a legitimate case worth hearing. The matter is now set to proceed to trial.