The revelation that the Ministry of Sugar Industry will soon receive a report on a European Union-led study into diversification of our sugar industry is encouraging. That’s the way we should be going. Any effort to revitalise the industry should be promoted. We need consensus to appreciate the challenges, understand demands and plan where the industry should head.
While presenting the ministry’s 2021-2022 Annual Report before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, permanent secretary Dr Andrew Tukana said the first phase had been completed. And that is the way to go. He said the EU study had started, with the first phase completed and the report expected soon.
The EU team was in Fiji in June 2026. The first phase would provide evidence on where sugar remains viable, where diversification could deliver better returns and where integrated farming may work.
It is good to know there is an effort to identify markets that could support alternatives. We have had experts suggest diversification and niche markets.
Different people, including experts, have different views about the direction the industry should take. Dr Tukana said the first phase findings would inform the second phase, including a pilot.
Importantly, he stressed, there was no proposal for a complete transition away from sugar cane.
Instead, evidence would determine where sugar should remain, where diversification makes sense and where integrated farming could provide better returns.
Diversification, he said, should not be viewed as a departure from sugar cane farming but as an option for growers.
In July this year, we saw the Government’s newly established Sugar Industry Committee meet sugarcane farmers in Rakiraki and Ba.
The consultations were supposed to give growers and stakeholders an opportunity to raise concerns, exchange ideas and discuss solutions.
Chaired by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the committee met farmers and stakeholders.
The Prime Minister’s presence reflected the seriousness of the challenges confronting the industry.
So, looking forward, we need accountability. Our farmers deserve direct engagement from decision-makers. Surely farmers want honest discussions about cane prices, milling operations and production. Even when expectations cannot be met, we need clear explanations and transparency. Open communication builds confidence.
There has to be trust between growers, industry leaders and Government. And we say trust will not be restored overnight. There has to be a willingness to listen, acknowledge different views and act in the industry’s best interests.
We must understand that lasting solutions are built through cooperation. Surely we remember that the sugar industry has supported generations of Fijians and remains an important contributor to our economy.
However, its future will be shaped by honest dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to finding common ground. And that, as we have said often, is the conversation we need today!
