The iTaukei Land Trust Board says it has already renewed hundreds of sugar cane leases set to expire between 2027 and 2036 as part of efforts to provide certainty for farmers and support the long-term future of the industry.
TLTB chief executive officer Solomone Nata said the Board was processing lease renewals well in advance, with 437 of the 2747 cane leases due to expire during the 2027–2036 period already renewed.
Mr Nata said the proactive approach reflected TLTB’s commitment to assisting farmers and maintaining stability within Fiji’s sugar sector.
“The Board remains steadfast in its commitment to assisting farmers across Fiji,” he said.
The statement comes amid ongoing public debate and media attention surrounding the non-renewal of some agricultural leases, particularly those linked to sugar cane farming.
Concerns have been raised about farmer displacement and the broader impact on Fiji’s sugar industry, which continues to play a major role in rural livelihoods and the national economy.
Mr Nata said TLTB had maintained a strong lease renewal record over the years.
“Since 1997, TLTB has achieved a consolidated lease renewal rate of 77.1 per cent, reflecting our dedication to ensuring landowners and tenants benefit from sustainable land use,” he said.
He said the renewal rate within the sugarcane sector was even higher at 82.9 per cent.
“Out of 10,464 cane leases, 7,039 have been successfully renewed, with 1,629 new tenants welcomed into the cane farming community.”
Mr Nata added that 266 leases had also been subdivided to encourage wider participation among landowners, while 1,286 leases were returned to landowning units for future use and development.
He said the figures demonstrated continued collaboration between landowners and tenants despite ongoing challenges facing the agriculture sector.
TLTB said it remained focused on balancing the interests of landowners while supporting agricultural productivity and economic sustainability in rural communities.
The Board noted that early processing of lease renewals was intended to reduce uncertainty for farmers and allow sufficient time for planning and investment in future cane production.
