(Jamaica Gleaner) The National Environment and Planning Agency has issued an ultimatum to the sugar industry to stop burning sugar cane by 2014, but sugar interests say if they accede it will wind up costing them more to farm cane.
In a letter dated March 14, 2012 to the Sugar Industry Authority, head of NEPA, Peter Knight told the sector it had two years to end the traditional practice of burning cane during reaping.
Knight emphasised that the directive was part of a broader campaign against open burning and that similar correspondence was sent to stakeholders in other industries.
“NEPA is willing to allow the practice of open burning of sugar cane for a period no longer than two years from the date of this letter to allow the industry time in which to explore and adopt a more environmentally friendly practice in the harvesting of the crop,” the letter reads in part.
Knight declined to comment on whether his timeline was reasonable, but said he was open to discussions on the issue. He will likely face a rebellious sector if its players take him up on the offer to talk.
