# Suriname Mennonite land and agricultural dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/suriname-mennonite-land-and-agricultural-dispute
> Updated: 2026-09-02T14:19:57.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

A legal and economic dispute has emerged in Suriname between the government and Mennonite-led agricultural projects. The Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management ordered Mennonites to vacate locations including Bantipasi, Albergapasi, and Masoniakreek, alleging they are operating without permits and have caused approximately 15 hectares of deforestation.

Braganza Marketing Group NV, representing the interests of the Mennonites from Belize and Mexico, disputes these claims. The company asserts that the projects operate under formal agreements made with the previous administration and are intended to support Caricom food security. In response to the government’s orders, Braganza is preparing an $86 million USD damage claim against the state.

The situation has evolved with Braganza Marketing Group announcing plans for large-scale soy and maize cultivation in Tibiti and Kabalebo, involving 34,185 hectares of land. Braganza director Ruud Souverein stated that all administrative procedures for foreign workers are being followed, noting that Belizean participants do not require visas due to Caricom membership.

Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Mike Noersalim clarified that while the ministry has agreements with Braganza to make land available, there is no direct agreement between the ministry and the Mennonite groups. He emphasized that formal land issuance remains the responsibility of the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management and that large-scale projects must adhere to strict environmental studies and legal residency requirements.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Braganza Marketing Group plans large-scale farming in Suriname

Braganza Marketing Group plans large-scale soy and maize projects in Suriname with Mennonite groups, amid government clarification that land agreements are with the company, not the religious groups.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/braganza-marketing-group-plans-large-scale-farming-in-suriname

### 2026-08-23: Suriname Mennonite land disputes escalate over settlement legality

Suriname faces growing conflict over Mennonite settlements in the interior, involving allegations of illegal deforestation and disputes over state-sanctioned land rights and compensation agreements.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suriname-mennonite-land-disputes-escalate-over-settlement-legality

### 2026-08-14: Braganza Marketing Group threatens Suriname with $86M claim over Mennonite projects

Braganza Marketing Group is preparing an $86 million USD claim against Suriname after the government ordered Mennonites to vacate agricultural sites due to alleged illegal deforestation and lack of permits.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suriname-orders-mennonites-to-vacate-illegal-forest-settlements

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Cite as: Suriname Mennonite land and agricultural dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/suriname-mennonite-land-and-agricultural-dispute