GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) The government of Guyana says sugar production in the South American country will hit a 23-year low this year.
Guyana projects total production will be below 210,000 tons (190,000 metric tons) for 2013. That is about 14,000 tons (13,000 metric tons) below target. It is the lowest total since 1990 for the largest sugar-producing country in the Caribbean Community trade organization.
Officials cite a number of factors for the shortfall, including strikes over wages by sugar workers and migration of workers to gold mining.
Guyana has agreed to export nearly 190,000 tons (170,000 metric tons) to the European Union, leaving the rest for domestic consumption.
Ruling party legislator and sugar union leader Komal Chand said Friday he is concerned Guyana may soon have to import sugar to meet domestic needs.
