Braganza Marketing Group plans large-scale farming in Suriname

Braganza Marketing Group plans to launch large-scale agricultural projects in Tibiti and Kabalebo, Suriname, focusing on the cultivation of soy and maize. The company intends to collaborate with Mennonite groups from Belize and Mexico to manage a total of 34,185 hectares of land for which it holds usage rights.

Ruud Souverein, owner and director of Braganza, has addressed concerns regarding the legality of the project, stating that all necessary administrative procedures for foreign workers are being followed and that no illegal residents are involved in the operations. He noted that Belizean participants currently do not require visas due to Caricom membership.

Mike Noersalim, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, clarified that there is no direct agreement between the ministry and the Mennonite groups. Instead, the ministry has agreements with Braganza Marketing Group to make agricultural land available. The minister emphasized that while the ministry facilitates land for production, the formal issuance of land remains the responsibility of the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management. He stressed that large-scale projects must adhere to strict regulations, including environmental studies and legal residency requirements for foreign labor.