14th February 2018
Diane Stevenson, Chair of the Bonsucro Members Council, sends out a message to members, stakeholders, sponsors, and all participants of Bonscuro Week 2018 to thank for their participation in learning, sharing and connecting in our annual flagship event that occurred last January in Managua, Nicaragua.
Dear Members and Stakeholders,
Bonsucro Week 2018 in Nicaragua was a phenomenal success. For three days in Managua, members from all five continents and all membership groups came together to learn best practices, share challenges and solutions and to connect with one another. End-users communicated their commitment to buying from mills that demonstrate sustainable practices; and producers came in force to learn from each other. These three days were followed by field visits to San Antonio and Monte Rosa mills where we saw much of what we learned put into practice. The Latin hospitality was, of course, wonderful, with delicious food and music creating a memorable experience accompanied by our favourite sugarcane by-product, high-quality rum Flor de Caña!
The mills showcased why Bonsucro exists: the global platform fostering change in the sugarcane sector. Using the Bonsucro Standard indicators as a guide, the mills worked with other stakeholders to make the necessary changes to achieve certification. There was a great focus on the concern for the health and safety of the workers, research being done to improve the bioavailability of nutrients for the soil, and the use of new technology.
The informal theme for the week was “This is Your Bonsucro”. Attendees were encouraged to take all that they learned and return home to leverage the power of the Bonsucro network with their new connections.
On behalf of the membership, my sincere gratitude to Comite Nacional de Productores de Azúcar Nicaragua (CNPA), our platinum sponsor and partner for the week, and its member mills for their extraordinary hospitality. Thanks as well to our gold sponsor, Solidaridad, and our bronze sponsors, ACT Commodities, ED&F Man and SupplyShift; without them, this event would not have been possible.
Finally, thanks to all who have travelled both near and far to attend the event and share your passion for Bonsucro.
I am already looking forward to next year!
Warm regards,
Diane Stevenson
Chair, Bonsucro Members Council
