The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has revealed that its Board and senior management made direct representations to Government this week calling for urgent assistance for cane farmers grappling with rising fuel costs and declining sugar prices.
In a statement, FSC Chairman Nitya Reddy said the entire Board and senior management travelled to Suva on June 4 to present the concerns of farmers to the Ministry of Sugar.
The move followed an emergency meeting of the FSC Board convened specifically to support submissions made by farmers.
“While FSC has remained fully compliant with the price forecast declaration requirements under the Master Award, it is acutely aware of the challenges currently faced by farmers,” Reddy said.
“The sharp escalation in fuel prices, combined with the declining price of sugar, is placing significant pressure on their livelihoods.”
Reddy described the intervention as unprecedented in the history of the sugar industry, saying it reflected FSC’s commitment to advocating on behalf of farmers.
“This initiative underscores FSC’s profound commitment to the industry and reflects its full recognition of, and respect for, the mutuality of interests it shares with cane farmers.”
According to FSC, the submission to Government included a call for an immediate review of fuel subsidies, greater clarity on the guaranteed minimum cane price of $85 per tonne, and measures to ease the burden on growers.
The statement comes just hours after Government announced that it would guarantee a cane payment of $85 per tonne for the 2026 crop season through a Government-funded top-up.
“We strongly reject the colonial-era stereotyping by certain critics who continue to portray FSC as the enemy of farmers.”
“FSC is a genuine partner and friend of the sugar industry family and will never allow the 140-year foundation of kinship and cooperation between millers and farmers to be undermined by irresponsible and politically motivated statements.”
“The FSC Board is greatly encouraged by the sympathetic and positive response from the Minister for Sugar and the Permanent Secretary.”
Reddy said FSC remained committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to secure the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry and improve the prosperity of farming communities throughout Fiji.
