Barbados is poised to commence its 2026 sugar cane harvest in early March, with comprehensive preparations underway to ensure operational readiness across the industry. Agriculture Minister Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight confirmed the imminent start while addressing journalists during the Agrofest agricultural exhibition at Queen’s Park on Friday.
The minister revealed that operational assessments are currently in progress, including a personal inspection of Portvale Factory’s facilities to verify complete preparedness for the upcoming season. “Within another week and a half, we will be officially starting the sugar crop,” Dr. Munro-Knight stated, adding that a specific commencement date would be formally announced shortly.
This year’s harvest forms part of a broader strategic initiative to modernize Barbados’ agricultural sector while maintaining respect for traditional practices. The minister emphasized the critical balance between technological innovation and preservation of historical knowledge, advocating for a resilient agricultural value chain that incorporates both elements.
The Barbados Sugar Industry Limited (BSIL) has confirmed its members’ readiness for the harvesting season. Chairman Mark Sealy reported that associated cane farmers have completed essential preparatory work, including equipment maintenance and insurance arrangements, awaiting only the official start signal.
According to industry projections, BSIL-affiliated farmers are expected to yield approximately 66,000 tonnes of sugar cane this season. The modernized industry—which has evolved from its historical roots in enslaved labor through various phases of agricultural development—now operates with complete mechanization, eliminating manual cane cutting entirely.