Belmopan, December 19, 2025.
Dr. Hon. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, met with key stakeholders of the northern sugar industry at the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB) Conference Room on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Buena Vista, Corozal, to discuss critical issues and align efforts in support of Belize’s sugarcane sector. The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries; the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB); the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI); Belize Sugar Industries/ASR (BSI/ASR); the Sugar Cane Production Committee (SCPC); the Northern Sugar Cane Growers Association (NSCGA); the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association (PSCPA); the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA); the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association (CSCPA); the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP); and the Belize Social Investment Fund. In attendance supporting Minister Martinez was Dr. Marcelino Avila, Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister.
In his address, Dr. Hon. Martinez emphasized the importance of developing and adopting a common vision for the sugar industry so that each stakeholder can work in a coordinated manner toward shared goals. He highlighted that only through unity of purpose, transparency, and continuous dialogue can the industry overcome current challenges and take new opportunities for growth and resilience.
The agenda addressed a wide range of strategic matters, including harvesting and delivery system readiness, implementation of the HD strategy, pre-harvest sampling and cane testing arrangements, and updates on sugar roads and other infrastructure support. Stakeholders also reviewed the strategic plans of the farmers’ associations, ongoing factory updates, and the alignment of key projects such as CRESAP and BACSuF to strengthen climate resilience, improve cane quality, and enhance farm productivity.
Partners reaffirmed their commitment to improving access to financing and technical support for farmers, including streamlining matching-grant procedures under CRESAP and coordinating with financial institutions.
Bringing all parties together in one forum signaled the collective seriousness and commitment to continue supporting and modernizing the sugar industry in northern Belize. Stakeholders agreed on next steps, responsibilities, and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that programmes and activities are better coordinated, more farmer-focused, and fully aligned with the shared vision of a resilient, competitive, and sustainable sugarcane sector.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Carlos Pol
Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Economic Transformation
ceo@met.gov.bz
