The Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) has welcomed the Government’s $5 million fuel subsidy package for the sugar industry, saying the assistance will help cushion growers against rising harvesting and transportation costs during the 2026 crushing season.
In an update to cane growers, the Council said it had met with the Sugar Industry Tribunal (SIT) and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to discuss industry preparations and measures aimed at supporting growers ahead of the new season.
The SCGC said the fuel subsidy would be paid directly to eligible cane growers through their cane delivery payments and would assist in offsetting approved harvesting and cartage costs.
It said growers using mechanical harvesting are expected to receive an estimated benefit of about $5.50 per tonne of cane harvested.
For cane cartage operations, the subsidy will vary depending on approved cartage rates, distance and tonnage, with growers and cartage operators advised to obtain details from their respective FSC sector offices.
The Council acknowledged concerns raised by growers over increasing mechanical harvesting charges, including higher fuel, spare parts and maintenance costs, saying these increases directly affect growers’ net returns.
It said the Government’s intervention would help ease some of the financial pressure faced by growers this season.
The SCGC also reminded growers that harvesting and cartage rates remain under review by the relevant authorities until 31 August 2026, taking into account prevailing industry conditions, operational costs, fuel prices and the available subsidy assistance.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Sugar Corporation has confirmed that harvesting and crushing operations for the Lautoka, Rarawai and Labasa mills will commence on 1 July 2026.
The Council urged growers and farm operators to organise harvesting meetings and submit their Memorandum of Gang (MOGA) forms to their respective FSC sector offices as soon as possible to ensure a smooth start to the crushing season.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Government, industry stakeholders and growers to ensure a productive, efficient and successful 2026 crushing season.
