Braganza explains 34,185 hectares and cooperation with Mennonites

Braganza and Mennonites do indeed have mutual agreements on the implementation of large-scale agricultural projects in Suriname, according to the company. In a statement dated September 18, Braganza Marketing Group says that documents on the working relationship and framework agreements have been concluded. The company thereby confirms that the Mennonites are involved in the projects through Braganza.

According to Braganza, three agreements were concluded with the Ministry of Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, LVV) on January 13, 2026. These reportedly concern usage rights in three areas along the Weg naar West Suriname, with a combined area of 34,185 hectares. The company stresses that the agreements were concluded with LVV and not directly with the Mennonites.

That explanation is in line with the earlier statement by Minister Mike Noersalim that LVV has no separate agreement with Mennonites. The minister did say that agreements exist with Braganza on agricultural production. According to the government’s official explanation, LVV can make areas available for agriculture under certain conditions, while formal land allocation is a matter for the Ministry of Grondbeleid en Bosbeheer.

Braganza and Mennonites: agreements on cooperation

Director Lionel Blokland states that the cooperation is focused on three large-scale agricultural projects. According to him, Braganza is taking the lead in development, while the Mennonites would contribute knowledge, experience, labour and management capacity. The company expects the joint production to eventually reach a value of approximately US$ 78 million per year.

Regarding residence status, Braganza states that the Mennonites involved are legally in Suriname. Mexicans reportedly entered with a visa, and residence applications have been submitted for some of them. For Mennonites from Belize, the company refers to that country’s CARICOM status. Official government information states that citizens of other CARICOM member states do not require a visa, but separate rules and procedures apply for settlement and work. Braganza says registration procedures have been initiated. The company did not make individual residence documents public with the statement.

Dispute over activities and land use

Braganza further disputes that unauthorised activities are being carried out at the project locations. According to the company, it was agreed with LVV that camps may be established, boundaries may be demarcated and other preparatory work may be carried out. Braganza states that it is complying with those agreements.

The company also denies that agricultural land is being sold to Mennonites. In the public debate, an amount of US$ 150 per hectare has been mentioned. Braganza says this is not a sale price and that no land purchase agreements exist. Any financial contributions arranged among Mennonite families themselves fall outside the agreements with Braganza, according to the company.

Braganza says there is cooperation and investment, but no sale of agricultural land.

Response to questions about human trafficking

The statement follows shortly after NDP parliamentary group leader Rabin Parmessar called on the Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service) to investigate the circumstances under which Mennonites came to Suriname. Following a visit to the Tibiti area, Parmessar said it should be examined whether families may have been brought into the country under false pretences. Key News previously reported on that call.

Braganza rejects the suggestion that its projects involve human trafficking. According to the company, these are international agricultural partners who are consciously participating in the projects. The company states that clear agreements have been made with leaders of the groups involved on work, knowledge, management and investments. Braganza’s statement therefore reflects the company’s position and does not in itself constitute an independent legal assessment of the matter.

Environment and the position of communities

In addition to the legal debate, there are questions about possible consequences for forests and living areas. A collective of eight Surinamese environmental organisations previously warned of large-scale deforestation if more than 34,000 hectares are developed for agriculture. Key News previously wrote about these concerns. Braganza, however, states that the land covered by the usage rights is not located in areas of Indigenous or tribal communities.

The company says it has concluded cooperation agreements with communities including Witagron, Apoera and Washabo. According to Braganza, those agreements are aimed at employment and the joint maintenance of infrastructure. The statement does not publish full agreements or maps that would allow the exact boundaries of the project areas and their relationship to residential and living areas to be independently verified.

Financing and expected tax revenues

Braganza says that financing for the agricultural projects has now been secured and that earlier doubts were based on an older business plan. According to a financial forecast by the company and its administrative office, approximately US$ 13 million in taxes would be paid annually upon full implementation. These amounts are also Braganza projections and have not been presented as realised revenues.

The company further says it has received no demands or bailiff’s writs ordering it or the Mennonites involved to leave the areas. Braganza states that it has not seen such documents. The company says it obtained the usage rights for twenty years, with an option for extension.

Further clarity on the projects

Braganza’s statement clarifies how the company itself explains its cooperation with the Mennonites and its agreements with LVV. At the same time, several issues remain the subject of public debate, including the precise legal status of the usage rights, residence and work procedures for foreign participants, environmental permits and the consequences for forests and local communities. Further disclosure of agreements, permits and official decisions could provide more clarity on the factual and legal position of the projects.