Officials of the local sugar industry have again raised the red flag in the wake of reports that the European Union Sugar Protocol could come to an end in two years.
A statement from the Sugar Association of the Caribbean, says exports to the EU hang in the balance as the European Union Commission has declared that the sugar protocol is to be renounced at the end of next month.
It has been proposed that the arrangement should end on September 30, 2009.
General Manager of Jamaica Cane Products Sales Limited, Karl James, says this is bad news for the local sugar industry.
"This is extremely worrying for us because as you know this sugar protocol has been an agreement arranged between the ACP and the EU since 1975 it is on that basis that the sugar industry and the ACP countries have operated that guaranteed a quota from us to the European market at a negotiated price and for a defiante period. The EU either wants to renounce or denounce this protocol," said Mr. James.
He says regional sugar producers have taken issue with the move and are seeking legal advice on the matter.
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