BSCFA and BSI Extend Commercial Agreement for 2026 Sugar Crop

The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) have signed an addendum extending their Commercial Agreement for one year, clearing the way for the start of the 2026 sugar crop later this month.

In a statement, BSI said the extension was agreed amid what it described as an existential crisis facing the northern sugar industry, driven in part by climate‑change‑related challenges that have sharply reduced cane supply.

BSI cited the spread of fusarium disease and other climate impacts as major factors affecting production and threatening the long‑term viability of the industry.

The agreement extension is intended to ensure continuity ahead of the upcoming crop season, which is scheduled to begin in January. The existing Commercial Agreement was set to expire, raising concerns among farmers and industry stakeholders about uncertainty in cane deliveries and milling operations.

Both BSCFA and BSI said they will work together to support the successful execution of the 2026 crop and indicated that potential amendments to the Commercial Agreement will be considered based on recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry, which examined longstanding disputes and structural issues within the sugar industry.