Government Prepares for 2026 Sugar Crop Season With Industry Stakeholders

The Government has begun formal preparations for the 2026 sugarcane crop season, which is scheduled to start on January 19, following a coordination meeting convened by Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation.  The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the northern sugarcane industry to review mill readiness, road conditions, and support measures ahead of the upcoming harvest. Minister Martinez was joined by Carlos Pol, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry, and Dr. Marcelino Avila, Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister.  As part of efforts to improve coordination and transparency across the sector, the Ministry announced the establishment of bi-monthly stakeholder meetings to be held at the Sugar Industry Control Board conference room in Buena Vista, Corozal. These meetings will include representatives from the SICB, the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Sugar Industries / American Sugar Refining, the Sugar Cane Production Committee, and the four cane farmers’ associations.  During discussions, BSI/ASR confirmed plans to begin steam trials on January 9, while stakeholders also reviewed ongoing support measures such as the fuel subsidy and the waiver of licenses for sugarcane transport units. Updates were provided on sugar road works, which participants identified as critical to ensuring timely cane delivery during the crop.  To strengthen oversight of road maintenance, stakeholders agreed to establish a technical committee that will work alongside the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing. Minister Martinez indicated that a joint field visit is planned for January 12 to assess priority road sections and recommend immediate actions.  The meeting concluded with agreement on the next coordination session set for January 16, formalizing a bi-monthly meeting schedule throughout the crop season. Officials say the structured engagement is intended to improve planning, address emerging challenges, and support a more resilient and farmer-focused sugar industry in northern Belize.