The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has clarified its agricultural lease renewal process, stating that decisions are guided by strict criteria and a balance between tenant and landowner interests.
In a statement, TLTB said it proactively considers lease renewals up to 10 years before expiry, with approvals dependent on factors such as rent compliance, productive use of land, future land use potential, and the needs of landowners.
The board also questioned claims that 40 leases were not renewed, saying the basis of that figure was unclear. It confirmed that management teams will visit Seaqaqa and Natua in mid-April to meet farmers and landowners to address concerns and clarify lease issues.
TLTB revealed that between 2025 and 2035, a total of 602 cane leases have expired or are due to expire. Of these, 440 leases — or 75 percent — have already been renewed, including 140 early renewals and eight with reduced land areas.
Thirty-two leases have reverted to landowners for their own use or leasing, while eight leases will be subdivided for higher-value purposes such as residential or commercial use. The remaining 116 leases are still under assessment.
The board said tenants whose agricultural leases are not renewed are offered 99-year residential leases for their home sites to prevent eviction, subject to applicable payments. Tenants may also claim compensation under the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA).
TLTB stressed that low cane productivity cannot be blamed solely on lease renewals, noting that renewal rates remain high at around 85 percent overall. Instead, it identified low yield rates of 40 to 60 tonnes per hectare and an estimated 30 percent of farms being idle as key challenges.
The board is calling for urgent action to improve farm productivity, including a target of increasing yields by at least 50 percent.
It also urged authorities to expedite the review of ALTA’s Unimproved Capital Value (UCV), noting that the last review was conducted in 2011, with scheduled updates in 2016 and 2021 not completed.
TLTB said while it remains committed to supporting the economy through land leasing, equal consideration must be given to landowners’ rights to fair returns and opportunities to use their land for higher-value activities.
