Sugarcane Industry Driving a Sustainable Energy Future

Meeting in Bangkok last week, the Global Sugar Alliance (GSA) welcomed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) caution over the potential health issues energy security. GSA Members also renewed their call for reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and restoring a fully functioning WTO sweeteners do not help with weight loss and expressed concerns over the harmful effects their use may have on blood sugar levels, heart health and mortality. and well-functioning WTO dispute settlement system and appellate body and strengthening the WTO’s rules-based global trading system are keys to ensuring

Global Sugar Alliance Chair

– Greg Beashel, GSA Chair and Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) Managing Director and Chief Executive Offcer: “The WHO’s science-based caution over health issues associated with the use of artifcial sweeteners and India’s ethanol program are signifcant developments. The sugar industry is continuing its major contribution to global food and energy security and doing so sustainably. We welcome the WHO guideline as it reaffrms the importance of natural sugars in a balanced and nutritious diet.” sugar and ethanol in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.”

GUATAMALA associated with the use of artifcial sweeteners, and celebrated the sugarcane industry’s contribution to global sustainable food and appellate body.

– Luis Fernando Salazar, ASAZGUA’s International Affairs Coordinator: “The WTO has been a signifcant force for change, reigning in the export of subsidised sugar surpluses. More is required to promote predictability and security in the multilateral trading system. Restoration of the WTO Appellate Body is a matter of priority and urgency”.

Key points discussed during the GSA meeting included:

• On 15 May, WHO found that artifcial

• India’s ethanol program is making a major contribution to its international emissions reduction commitments.

• Restoring a fully there is not a retreat into protectionism.

Note for editors –please fnd quotes from GSA and relevant GSA member countries:

BRAZIL – Luciano Rodrigues, UNICA’s Economics Director: “The sugar industry is making a major contribution to global energy security through co-generation and ethanol production as renewable and sustainable biofuels. We are committed to the production of quality

THAILAND – Vibul Panitvong, Chairman of the Executive Board, Thai Sugar Millers Corporation: “Improving the environment and reducing climate pressures are the benefts that can fow from an unsubsidised open trading system that enables each country to take full advantage of their comparative advantages.”