Sugar Cane Producers in Madeira to Receive Price Increase
Madeira GuideSugar cane producers in Madeira will see their payment per ton increased by 20 euros, thanks to a new agreement between regional authorities and economic operators.
In a significant development for Madeira's agricultural sector, sugar cane producers are set to receive an additional 20 euros per ton for the upcoming 2026-2027 harvest. This decision stems from a recent meeting involving the Regional Government, economic operators, ACIF, and representatives of the farmers.
The new minimum price for sugar cane will be 620 euros per ton, representing a 3.3% increase from the previous year. Of this, 370 euros is funded through public support, including 250 euros from the POSEI program and 120 euros from the Regional Budget. The remaining 250 euros will be provided by economic operators, who have agreed to enhance the value of the producers' efforts following discussions with Nuno Maciel, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries.
Over the past five years, the price for sugar cane has more than doubled, highlighting the economic importance of this crop to the island's economy. The 'canica' variant will have a minimum reference price of 650 euros per ton, while organically produced cane will be priced at 670 euros per ton.
This price adjustment also aligns with commitments from mill operators to adjust the average price based on the quality and brix (sugar content) of the cane provided by each farmer. This move aims to enhance the profitability of the product by focusing on the cultivation of high-quality cane, ensuring that even smaller quantities can yield substantial earnings.
The Regional Secretary has emphasized the significance of this increase for maintaining agricultural activities, with positive implications for the regional landscape and tourism. The announcement comes ahead of the Regional Sugar Cane Exhibition in Canhas, Ponta do Sol, and the Madeira Rum Festival in April, both of which celebrate the cultural and economic contributions of sugar cane to Madeira.
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Madeira Guide
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