Argentine cane union warns cutting ethanol mandate would eliminate 200,000 jobs

In Argentina, El Perfil reports the sugarcane union in Jujuy and Salta (UCIJS) warns that if the E12 mandate is not extended past its May 12 expiry date, 200,000 jobs will be lost in the ethanol sector. The leading party has proposed a bill that would cut back the ethanol mandate to 10% from the current 12%. Concern is especially compounded by the fact that the sugarcane crush is set to kick off soon. The central region’s business forum has warned that the survival of 50 biofuel plants in the area are at risk if the bill goes through.