Sugar Transformation Unit
As at October 2009, the European Union (EU) reduced the prices of raw sugar imports from Jamaica by 36 percent. The Sugar Protocol, which allowed Jamaica and other ACP countries guaranteed preferential prices, has been replaced by the ACP Economic Partnership Agreement. In order to cushion the negative economic and social impact of changes to the EU Sugar Regime, EU has been providing financial assistance to ACP countries including Jamaica under the Accompanying Measures for Sugar (AMSP).
In July 2009, the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries reviewed The Jamaica Country Strategy for the Adaptation of the Sugar Industry: 2006 to 2015, producing a revised strategy document which was approved by Cabinet in September 2009 which is now being implemented. The revised sugar strategy is entitled The Jamaica Country Strategy for the Adaptation of the Sugar Industry: 2006 to 2020. The three (3) strategic objectives are:
The Jamaica Country Strategy for the Adaptation of the Sugar Industry 2006 – 2020 relates to the entire sugar cane industry, including estates and cane farmers. These sugar estates include:
The Sugar Transformation Unit staffed by thirty-one (31) persons is responsible for overseeing the effective implementation of the GOJ’s Sugar Adaptation Strategy. A total of twenty eight (28) Project staff are stationed at field locations on each SCJ estate. There are three (3) persons at Head office in Kingston.
Under the Accompanying Measures for Sugar, by 2010 an estimated 82 million euros (J$8.2 Billion) should be provided in the form of grants by the EU for the implementation of the Sugar Adaptation Strategy.