The National Farmers Union (NFU) has called on cane farmers to reject the forecast cane price of $57.60 per tonne for the 2026 crop, describing the figure as inadequate given the rising costs facing growers.
NFU general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry said farmers would receive a delivery payment of only $34.44 per tonne under the forecast price announced by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), a figure he said was unacceptable.
“It’s ridiculous to ask them to accept a delivery payment of $34.44 per tonne,” Chaudhry said.
While the Government has announced a top-up of $7.56 per tonne, bringing the delivery payment to the same level as last year’s $42 per tonne, Chaudhry argued that this would still fall short of covering increased production costs.
He said farmers were facing significantly higher expenses for harvesting and haulage, while cultivation costs had also increased amid current economic conditions.
“They will have to pay substantially more for harvesting and haulage. Their cultivation costs will also rise and must be taken into consideration when determining cane price,” he said.
Chaudhry also criticised the Government for failing to extend the fuel duty rebate to cane lorry and harvester operators, despite repeated requests from the union.
He said the most practical solution would be to amend the Sugar Industry Master Award and set the guaranteed minimum price of $85 per tonne as the forecast price until a revised and higher guaranteed minimum price is determined.
“This will give farmers a delivery payment of $52 per tonne,” he said.
The NFU leader noted that the Coalition Government had promised before the last general election to review and increase the guaranteed minimum cane price.
He said every effort should now be made to have a revised guaranteed price framework in place before the end of the 2026 crushing season.
The union’s comments come as growers prepare for a season already marked by concerns over rising fuel costs, harvesting expenses and uncertainty over industry support measures. The forecast cane price is a key benchmark used by farmers to plan their operations and budget for the season ahead.
