The National Farmers Union says sugarcane growers remain ready to begin harvesting immediately, but only if the Fiji Sugar Corporation and Government guarantee a minimum cane price of $110 per tonne and a first delivery payment of $60 per tonne.
In a direct response to FSC Chairman Nitya Reddy, NFU General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry said growers would not compromise on what they believe are fair returns.
“Farmers remain willing to commence harvesting immediately provided FSC and the Government deliver the guaranteed minimum price of $110 per tonne and a first delivery payment of $60 per tonne. These are the fair returns our members have consistently demanded and will not compromise on.”
Chaudhry rejected suggestions that weather conditions should pressure farmers into harvesting.
“Current weather conditions are favourable for harvesting. Claims suggesting imminent heavy rain or El Niño disruptions should not be used to manufacture fear among growers.”
He said farmers remained united and would not be forced into harvesting under current pricing arrangements.
“Our growers are resolute. They will stand strong and united until justice is delivered. We will not be rushed into a harvest that continues to short-change the very people who sustain this industry.”
Responding to FSC’s claim that delays are costing farmers $3.5 million a week, Chaudhry argued that the industry’s biggest losses stem from mill inefficiencies.
“While the Chairman highlights an estimated $3.5 million per week denied to farmers from delays, the far greater and ongoing annual loss to farmers — approximately $35 million — stems from FSC’s poor operational efficiency.”
He said the high TCTS ratio of 13, compared with what he described as an achievable 10, meant growers were effectively paying for poor mill performance.
“Addressing this structural problem would deliver far more benefit to the industry than pressuring growers under the current unfair terms.”
Chaudhry said the NFU remained open to negotiations but maintained that industrial action would continue until the union’s key demands were met.
“The National Farmers Union remains open to good-faith negotiations on behalf of farmers. Until the core demands are met, the stand continues.”
