Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Belize’s sugar industry is battling problems from the ground up. Falling cane production, labor shortages, crop diseases and invasive pests are threatening future harvests, while sugar exports fell by eighteen million dollars between July 2025 and July 2026. Although major shipments are still expected later this year, industry stakeholders say recovery will depend on tackling the challenges in the fields. We spoke with BSI’s Director of Finance, Shawn Chavarria, about efforts to protect the industry.
Belize’s sugar industry is battling problems from the ground up. Falling cane production, labor shortages, crop diseases and invasive pests are threatening future harvests, while sugar exports fell by eighteen million dollars between July 2025 and July 2026. Although major shipments are still expected later this year, industry stakeholders say recovery will depend on tackling the challenges in the fields. We spoke with BSI’s Director of Finance, Shawn Chavarria, about efforts to protect the industry.
