Minister Open to Commission of Inquiry into Sugar Industry

Minister of Agriculture, Abelardo Mai, has stated that he is open to the option of activating a commission of inquiry into the sugar industry.  His announcement came on the heels of BSI/ASR’s upset over the new regulations that will make it mandatory for them to disclose certain aspects of their business including commercial exports of sugar.  According to Minister Mai, a commission of inquiry may be just what the industry needs at this point.

A Statutory Instrument was taken to the House of Representatives on Friday, making it a requirement for BSI/ASR to disclose the quantities of sugar marketed, the amount of certified sugar contracted and marketed, as well as disclosure on any premiums or benefits due to certified producers as a result of the volumes of sugar cane produced and delivered.  BSI/ASR has since described the new regulations as being, ‘retrograde, unnecessary, burdensome and discriminatory.’  They noted that they are considering challenging the validity of the changes.