MORE than 80 per cent of sugarcane farm leases in the North due to expire around 2030 have already been renewed, according to Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna.
Mr Tunabuna said the North was progressing better than the Western Division on lease renewals, describing it as a major achievement for the sugar sector.
“Farmers in the North are fortunate because lease renewals for leases expiring around 2030 have progressed well,” he said.
“I think more than 80 per cent of the leases have already been renewed, which is a major achievement.”
He said a small number of leases remained unresolved, but discussions were continuing.
“The few leases that have not been renewed are the ones making the most noise, but we are working through the remaining 20 per cent.
“A lot of progress has already been made. There will be some leases that may not be renewed for valid reasons, but overall, lease renewals in the North are progressing very well.”
He said valid land leases remained a requirement for sugarcane farmers to retain contracts to supply cane.
“There are no long-expired leases because it is a requirement to have a land lease to obtain a contract to supply sugarcane.
“If you do not have a valid land lease, you will not have a contract or licence to supply sugar. Once leases are not renewed, farmers lose their contracts.”
Mr Tunabuna said discussions between landowners and the iTaukei Land Trust Board had also led to an increase in landowners entering cane farming.
“Even on some expired leases, landowners themselves have started producing sugarcane. In fact, the number of landowners producing cane has increased.”
His comments come after the TLTB’s announcement that 2747 cane leases were set to expire during the 2027–2036 period, of which 437 have been renewed.
