SUGAR Industry stakeholders will meet with officials from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to discuss the new $20.52 rate that came into effect on July 23.
This after mechanical harvesting groups expressed disappointment over the lack of consultations on the new mechanical harvesting rate, which had decreased by $4.11.
Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO Bhan Pratap Singh said industry institutions were well aware of the consequences of the FCCC’s decision.
“The Industry Institutions have communicated their concerns with the Minister for Sugar and made some recommendations on the way forward,” Mr Singh said.
“FSC and the industry stakeholders are trying to address the issues and concerns related to the mechanical harvester rates.
“A meeting has been scheduled with FCCC this week.
“Mechanical harvester operators will be invited to be present at this meeting.”
Yesterday, members of the Greenfield Mechanical Harvester Cooperative Ltd of Lomawai, Nadroga, Saweni Natova Cooperative of Saweni, Lautoka, and Nawaicoba Malamala Combined Cane Farmers Cooperative of Nadi met to hold talks about the upcoming meeting.
Representative Bala Dass said the group wanted an explanation for the new determination by FCCC.
“I think FCCC does not know anything about harvester operations and the cost of operating it,” Mr Dass said.
“Before crushing started they gave a rate of $24.63.
“The explanation they provided was that fuel prices had increased. We understand it has decreased by $1.20.
“But without any consultation with us, they went ahead and decreased it to $20.52.”
Questions sent to FCCC on Monday remained unanswered.
