Delivering small business support in Belize

In the last 15 years, Tate & Lyle Sugars’ Fairtrade partnership has delivered positive change for thousands of small-scale sugarcane farmers and their communities.

The business’ payment of Fairtrade Premiums to the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers’ Association enabled the association to run a training programme in personal and business skills for women and young people. Furthermore, the Association was able to provide some funds to collaborate with these trainees to start up their own small businesses using the skills learned.

Sergio Bustillos took part in the scheme, and following the training and funding, was able to construct a concrete pig pen for his farm and purchase more boars and piglets. These changes meant Sergio could expand his business by increasing vegetable production with the manure from the pig pens as fertiliser. He had also learned how to administer vitamins and medications to the pigs, which reduced the need for veterinarians, thus further decreasing his farm’s running costs.

Overall, Sergio’s pig farming business has been able to grow significantly – just one example of positive impact alongside farmers with Tate & Lyle Sugars and Fairtrade.