From the Editor
Luis Ayala
For centuries, sugarcane, as a crop, has been a driver of economic growth, prosperity, employment, and trade. Alcohol produced from it, refined sugar and residual co-products have also played key roles in many other industries as well.
But sugarcane, like other crops, requires planning and a heavy dose of investment (new equipment purchase, repairs and for fertilizers/pesticides). Failure to properly invest capital results in lower cane yields and, consequently, lower profitability.
Cuba was once the world’s largest sugar exporter but, as reported by Mike Kunetka on page 43, the most recent cane harvest will be the lowest on record since 1900, forcing the government to import sugar in order to meet its domestic demand.
It is easy to see the results from the lack of regular investment in the agriculture sector and it is hard to believe that the former sugar capital of the world is now being forced to import sugar to make ends meet. The effect of this deficit will have far-reaching consequences throughout Cuba, from food processing plants to pharmaceutical and rum production.I’ve mentioned on numerous occasions that the sugarcane industry is in crisis worldwide, with mills struggling to operate profitably and frequent reports of plants closing every year.
My home state of Texas lost its last remaining sugarcane mill a couple of months ago, due to lack of access to water along the US-Mexico border, stemming from non-compliance by the Mexican government of an international treaty that controlled shared access to the water.
Climate change, lack of water and lack of investment are real alarm bells that should be causing nightmares to governments around the world. We need bright minds and long-term visionaries to turn things around.May our future be sweet again!
Luis Ayala,
Editor and Publisher
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