In a significant move to address long-standing challenges in the sugar industry, the Belizean government has announced plans to raise sugar prices for the first time in decades. The decision, spearheaded by Marco Osorio, Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, comes in response to mounting pressures faced by sugarcane farmers, including soaring production costs, climate-related disruptions, and the recent outbreak of fusarium wilt disease. The last price increase for brown sugar occurred in 2001, while plantation white sugar saw its last adjustment in 2016. Osorio emphasized that the proposed hike is essential to provide much-needed relief to farmers, who have endured financial strain for years. However, he acknowledged that the move could burden consumers, particularly households. The exact new prices for packaged sugar remain under review, as officials aim to strike a balance between supporting the industry and minimizing the impact on local consumers. The government’s decision reflects a broader effort to stabilize the sugar sector and ensure its sustainability amid evolving economic and environmental challenges.