The decision by the Sugar Industry Authority to award the Seprod Group market-agency status could threaten Jamaica's ability to meet its obligation to British sugar refiner Tate & Lyle under a new one-year supply deal signed with the firm for the 2015-2016 crop year. "The SIA signed a contract with Seprod when they had an existing contract in place with Jamaica Cane Products Sales Limited for the marketing of sugar, including Golden Grove, which is owned by Seprod," Allan Rickards, chairman of the All Island Jamaica Cane Farmers Association , told The Gleaner last Friday.