The BACSuF project is the result of six years of collaboration among the Government of Belize, the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI)/American Sugar Refinery (ASR), the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), the Northern Sugar Cane Growers Association (NSCGA), the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association (PSCPA), the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association (CSCPA), and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC).

In March 2024, the BACSuF project made history as the first sugarcane-specific agricultural initiative to be approved by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project, tabled at the GCF Board meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, secured an investment of US $38.84 million, including a US $25 million grant from the GCF.

This funding will bridge the financing gap for farmers, as the initial cost of implementing climate-resilient practices is often higher than traditional methods. The project is expected to directly benefit more than 5,000 farmers and impact an estimated 87,000 Belizeans.

Key Project Components

The BACSuF project aims to remove agronomic, technological, economic, and institutional barriers to climate resilience by focusing on three core areas:

1. Increasing Climate Risk Reduction and Adaptive Capacity

Introducing climate-resilient sugarcane varieties

Establishing nurseries and replanting 10,000 acres

Promoting sustainable soil health and ratoon management techniques

2. Promoting Sustainable Water and Land Management

Investing in drainage, irrigation, and pest management

Aligning practices with Climate Smart Agriculture and Integrated Pest Management standards

3. Developing a Center for Teaching and Learning

Enhancing resilience through training, capacity building, and technology integration

A Transformational Step for Belize’s Agriculture

This initiative represents more than adaptation it is a transformational step for Belize’s agricultural sector. It strengthens farming communities, secures long-term industry viability, and ensures that future generations inherit a strong, resilient, and competitive sugar industry.

During the launch, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security & Enterprise, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring Belize maximizes climate financing opportunities. He also urged ASR-BSI to explore milling expansion options to increase processing capacity and mitigate risks posed by climate change.

Belize extends its gratitude to the Green Climate Fund, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), and all technical partners whose expertise and dedication have made this project a reality.

As Belize moves forward, the Ministry of Agriculture stands ready to provide technical expertise, policy support, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure the project’s success and the continued prosperity of the sugar industry.