The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has deferred the start of the 2026 crushing season at the Rarawai and Labasa mills, citing insufficient preparedness among harvesting gangs.
In a public advisory issued today, FSC said the crushing season at Rarawai, which was scheduled to begin on June 16, and at Labasa on June 17, has been postponed until further notice.
The corporation said the decision was made after assessing the current level of readiness among harvesting gangs.
“Based on the current level of harvesting gang readiness, FSC has determined that there is insufficient preparedness to support the efficient start of crushing operations,” the advisory stated.
The latest deferment comes just days after FSC revealed that only four percent of harvesting gangs in the Lautoka mill area had submitted their Memorandum of Gang Agreement (MOGA) for the 2026 crushing season.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs last week, FSC Chief Operating Officer Mikaele Biukoto said the low registration rate was a sharp decline from more than 60 percent recorded during the same period last year.
Mr Biukoto told the committee that the low level of registrations had forced the corporation to place the Lautoka Mill on hold.
FSC said it remained committed to ensuring a successful and efficient crushing season and would announce revised commencement dates once the required number of harvesting gangs had confirmed their readiness.
The corporation apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation.
The deferment is likely to heighten concerns within the sugar industry, where growers and harvesting gangs have been seeking improved cane payments and greater certainty ahead of the 2026 season.
