And while things may be looking bright at the factory, there is still a grave concern out in the fields for those dealing with the Fusarium outbreak. Chavarria says that they have taken into account how a pest like this can impact the industry, which is why it's crucial that they begin the new season on time with the cooperation of the farmers. He gave us the proposed date to begin the crop.
Shawn Chavarria, Director of Finance, ASR/BSI
"I think the situation for fusarium is one that continues to develop. We've been bringing experts from outside of Belize to give us advice and recommendation on how to tackle it. BSI have brought in experts from Mexico and also Florida to assist, evaluate the situation."
"They've made some very good recommendations, which we are starting to take on board. In terms of the meal readiness, our objective remains to get the plant ready for a start early December. We are actually targeting the 9th of December and the recommendation from the experts are also to try to start the crop early because with the fusarium, the cane quality will just continue to deteriorate and so the longer you wait, the more deterioration you will have. I think honestly for this coming crop, it will be a question of the fields. Are the fields in a good condition because of the amount of rainfall we've had that farmers will be able to get in and harvest their cane."
"So I think fields and I also think sugar roads because we know that the heavy rainfall has also been damaging sugar roads. So I think those two factors might be the main issues that could affect a timely start to the crop."
"But from the mill's standpoint, we are targeting to be ready for the 9th of December and the experts are also advising us to try to start early so that the fusarium does not deteriorate the cane quality any further."
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