SIA To Improve Regulation Of Sugar Sector

The Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) will be improving its regulation of the local sector through timely collection and analysis of industry data and regular database updating to track unlicensed importation of brown sugar.

As stated in the 2021/22 Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, the monitoring of unlicensed imports is to alleviate threats to the local industry from illicit goods coming into the island.

The document said that the closure of facilities such as the Golden Grove sugar factory in 2019/20 and the announced closure of the Appleton Estate sugar factory during fiscal year 2020/21 continue to negatively impact the local industry.

Consequent on this, the SIA will be undertaking a number of engagements, including improving sugar-cane variety research and intensifying research in the production of biocontrol agents.

Focus will also be placed on bolstering the integrity of cane-testing facilities through direct SIA control and technology-enhanced monitoring, in order to improve the quality of products on the market.

To achieve this, the SIA will upgrade the core Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which is used to assess whether sugar produced meets the requisite quality standards. This exercise is deemed essential in maintaining the quality of sugar produced.

The SIA projects a net surplus of $0.10 million from its activities this year, and is expected to retain its staff complement of 36.

The entity was incorporated under the Sugar Industry Control Act of 1937, and commenced operating in December that year.

Its main activity comprises sector regulation, arbitration, research, and the provision of technical assistance in the industry.

The Authority’s mandate incorporates: providing advice on general policy with respect to the industry’s operations and development; undertaking research through the Sugar Industry Authority Research Division (formerly Sugar Industry Research Institute); managing Jamaica’s sugar quota under preferential arrangements and marketing sugar and molasses for local consumption and export through its agent, Jamaica Cane Product Sales Limited.