Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has welcomed the Government’s decision to guarantee an $85 per tonne sugarcane price for the 2026 crop season, revealing that he had recently written to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka seeking discussions on challenges facing the industry.
In a statement, Mr Seruiratu said the guaranteed price would provide much-needed certainty and relief for cane farmers grappling with rising fuel, harvesting and transportation costs.
“This decision will provide much needed certainty and relief to our cane farmers and their families who continue to face increasing fuel, harvesting, transportation and other production costs.”
The Opposition Leader revealed that he had written to the Prime Minister last week requesting an audience to discuss concerns surrounding the upcoming crushing season and the broader state of the sugar industry.
“Just last week, I wrote to the Honourable Prime Minister requesting an audience to discuss concerns relating to the 2026 sugar crushing season and the broader challenges confronting the industry.”
Mr Seruiratu said his correspondence highlighted the importance of the sugar industry to thousands of farmers, mill workers, transport operators and their families.
In the letter, he stressed the need for urgent engagement with stakeholders on issues affecting the sector.
“I highlighted the importance of the industry to thousands of cane farmers, mill workers, transport operators and their families and stressed the need for urgent engagement with key stakeholders on issues affecting the sector.”
Mr Seruiratu said he was pleased that concerns raised by farmers and industry stakeholders regarding cane payments had been acknowledged.
“The guaranteed price will help ease some of the financial pressures currently being experienced across the sector.”
However, he cautioned that the price guarantee should not distract from deeper issues facing the industry.
“While this announcement is welcomed, it should also serve as a reminder of the broader challenges facing the sugar industry.”
He pointed to declining cane production, rising operational costs, labour shortages, transportation difficulties and uncertainty over the industry’s long-term viability as issues requiring sustained attention.
Mr Seruiratu called for continued collaboration between Government, farmers, landowners, mill operators and transport providers to rebuild confidence in the sector.
“The sugar industry remains a vital pillar of our economy and an important source of livelihood for thousands of Fijian families.”
“Government, industry stakeholders, landowners, mill operators, transport providers and farmers must continue to work together to develop practical and sustainable measures that will restore confidence and growth in the sector.”
He also congratulated cane farmers for their resilience and dedication and wished them a safe and successful 2026 crushing season.
