Fiji Sugar Corporation Chairman Nitya Reddy has rejected claims by union leaders that FSC is responsible for the forecast cane price of $57 per tonne, saying the price is determined through a transparent process involving growers, FSC and the Sugar Industry Tribunal.
Reddy said the forecast price is prescribed under the Master Award and is jointly determined by all parties.
“FSC strongly rejects attempts by union leaders to mislead farmers by claiming that FSC is responsible for the forecast cane price of $57 per tonne. The Master Award prescribes a clear and formal process for determining the forecast price.”
He said the process is fully transparent and based on agreed assumptions covering crop forecasts, sugar production, TCTS, cane quality, market prices and foreign exchange movements.
“The process is transparent, with all relevant information openly considered and agreed before the forecast price is certified.”
Reddy questioned why FSC continued to be blamed for a price determined collectively.
“Those making these claims should explain how FSC can reasonably be held responsible for a forecast price determined through a transparent process agreed upon by all parties.”
While defending the pricing process, Reddy acknowledged that FSC has shortcomings in its own operations.
“FSC accepts responsibility for its operational underperformance.”
However, he said the industry’s problems extend beyond milling performance, pointing to poor cane quality, low purity levels, excessive extraneous matter, ageing ratoon crops, resistance to varietal change and declining grower productivity.
Reddy noted that only about 4,200 of the industry’s 10,800 registered growers are currently productive.
He also criticised those encouraging farmers not to harvest.
“Those leading the harvesting boycott should present these realities honestly to growers. Growers deserve to make informed decisions based on the full facts and should not be given expectations that cannot ultimately be delivered.”
Reddy said assigning blame without acknowledging the industry’s long-standing structural challenges would only prolong hardship.
“The present challenges facing the sugar industry have developed over many years and require honest acknowledgement of the factors that have contributed to them.”
He again appealed to growers to begin harvesting immediately.
“By working together, we can minimise further losses, maximise returns, protect employment, honour our market commitments, and give the 2026 crushing season the best possible opportunity for success for the benefit of growers, employees and the nation.”
