Tate and Lyle Sugars and Belize Cane Farmers Association Work to Renew Fairtrade Relationship

By all indications, the sugar partners up north are smoothing things over following a breakdown in the relationship between Tate and Lyle Sugars and the Belize Cane Farmers Association.  A mediation, of sorts, was held this morning in Orange Walk where steps were discussed that would renew the Fairtrade relationship and rebuild transparency and trust.. According to a release from the BSI/ASR, “both TLS & BSCFA reaffirmed their commitment to the shared, overarching objective of improving the livelihoods of cane farmers and strengthening the viability of the sugar industry. They also agreed to continue dialogue to reach their mutual goals.  Under the rules of Fairtrade, all parties are obligated to maintain the standards which guide the Fairtrade relationship and the payment of premiums to certified associations.”  Fairtrade International along with CLAC—the regional support for Fairtrade associations—facilitated and oversaw the discussions.