FIFTY-one per cent of growers in the Western and Northern Divisions have signed the memorandum of gang agreement (MOGA). This is an increase from the four per cent reported by the Fiji Sugar Corporation in mid-June.
In a press conference yesterday, Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO Vimal Dutt revealed 16 per cent of farmers in Lautoka had signed the agreement, 10 per cent in Rarawai and 25 per cent in Labasa.
Mr Dutt called on growers to hold their gang meetings to fast track the signing of the MOGA agreements.
“As we prepare for the commencement of the 2026 crushing season, the Fiji Sugar Corporation has confirmed that harvesting and crushing operations for the Lautoka, Rarawai and Labasa Mills will commence on July 1, 2026, which is (today),” he said.
“The council, therefore, urges all growers, harvesting gangs and farm operators to hold their gang meetings, finalise harvesting arrangements and submit their MOGA forms to their respective FSC sector offices without delay.”
The crushing season was rescheduled to July when growers refused to sign the MOGA and deliver cane to Rarawai, Lautoka and Labasa.
Their refusal stemmed from growing concerns over rising costs of harvesting fuelled mainly by the rise in global fuel prices.
These concerns were brought to the forefront by the National Farmers Union following a series of meetings with growers in the west and north.
When asked on whether the council has spoken to farmers regarding their concerns, Mr Dutt said the council had yet to receive official correspondence from the National Farmers Union. According to Government, the rollout of the $5million fuel subsidy package for farmers has been communicated through the cane sector offices and council district offices with more cane gangs expected to hold their meetings and sign their MOGA’s. The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission’s approved mechanical harvesting rate of $24.63 will be charged to growers, however, the Government will be assisting those unable to pay the new rate by providing $5 per tonne assistance. For growers manually harvesting their cane, they will also receive a government assistance payment of $3 per tonne.
