In a surprise move, the Sugar Cane Growers Council [SCGC] wants a special cane payment of at least $8.00 per ton for the 2024 season crop.
The SCGC has proposed to government that this payment be made prior to the 4th cane payment due end of May.
The SCGC has in recent years never made such a call on behalf of farmers.
“The Council is inundated by growers suggesting for the special payment, as the 3rd cane payment was less compared to last year, resulting in a shortfall in growers’ budget,” said SCGC CEO Vimal Dutt.
“The 3rd cane payment based on sugar proceeds of $12.22 compared to $23.14 last year. A notable reduction is growers’ cash flow.”
“The 2024 seasons’ portfolio of 10,231 active growers, harvested 1,331,922 tonnes of sugarcane.”
Mr Datt said while the 2025 crop stand appears promising compared to last season, the special cane payment disbursement promotes pardoning of all deductibles, advancing the efforts of grower’s focusing the new harvesting season.
“Subsequently, normal deductions will resume from the structured cane payments as guided by the Master Award.”
“The Council is anticipating a positive response, especially in this time of financial adversity faced by the cane growers.”
