Fourth Cane Payment Exceeds Guaranteed Cane Price

Lautoka- The Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd (FSC) has confirmed it will pay the fourth cane payment of $17.03 per tonne on Friday, 23 May 2025. This will bring the total payment to $86.66 per tonne for the 2024 season, surpassing the Government’s guaranteed price of $85.00 per tonne.

In accordance with the Sugar Industry Master Award, it is certified that the net share of cane proceeds received and receivable by growers as at 30 April 2025 stands at $115,427,843, equivalent to $86.66 per tonne.

To date, FSC has paid a total of $69.63 per tonne, comprised of:

– $43.06 per tonne (Delivery Payment),

– $14.35 per tonne (Second Payment),

– $12.22 per tonne (Third Payment).

The upcoming fourth payment will complete this phase of the payment cycle and bring the total paid to growers to $86.66 per tonne.

This milestone reflects FSC’s commitment to supporting cane farmers and the Government’s continued efforts to stabilise and revitalise the sugar industry, even amid extreme global market challenges and FSC’s own well-known chronic liquidity constraints.

FSC Board Chairman, Mr. Nitya Reddy, said the Corporation’s unrelenting efforts to exceed the guaranteed price were a definite sign of progress in the sector and an expression of its deep empathy for all the stakeholders.

“We know what farmers are up against, and we’re doing everything within our reach to ensure that they get a fair return. Paying more than the guaranteed price shows that we’re not just meeting expectations, but also zealously striving to exceed them.”

A Special One Off  $5 per tonne without any deductions

In addition, a special one-off payment of $5.00 per tonne, fully funded by the Government and paid without any deductions, will be made before 30 May 2025. This additional support, which is over and above the guaranteed price, is aimed at assisting growers in preparing for the 2025 harvesting season, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the industry and the farmers.

“This extra support from the Government couldn’t have come at a better time. It goes straight to the farmers and will ease some of the pressures as they gear up for the 2025 season,” Mr. Reddy said.

The fifth and final cane payment for the 2024 crop will be made in October 2025, as scheduled.

FSC has also confirmed the following  start dates for the 2025 crushing season:

– Lautoka Mill – 11 June 2025

– Labasa Mill – 17 June 2025

– Rarawai Mill – 24 June 2025

Responding to recent speculation about the Rarawai Mill, Mr. Reddy said:

“Destabilising the industry with grossly exaggerated falsehoods, all with the single most damaging intent of creating pre-crush disruptions and uncertainty surrounding the orderly commencement of crush, has become a predictable annual political ritual for some. Such irresponsible weaponisation of the industry, fuelled by their ambitions to revive their plummeting political stocks, and  at the expense of the national economy and livelihoods, must be strongly condemned and called out.”

“Let me be absolutely clear. Rarawai Mill will operate this year and beyond. There is no basis whatsoever for the false claims being circulated. Our  workforce is in place, and all operational preparations are progressing as scheduled.”

“On current forecasts, barring any major weather events, we are looking at an increase in crop of nearly 200,000 tonnes, an increase of 15 percent over the 2024 crop of 1.33 million tonnes. This will mean at least 20,000 tonnes of additional sugar revenue, which will partially offset the current declining world market prices. To process this crop, we seek the full cooperation of all our stakeholders. The industry can no longer be treated as a cauldron of conflict and confrontation.”

Mr. Reddy thanked the Government for its continued support and recognised the ongoing contribution of growers.

“We’ve still got lots of work to do, but this is a step in the right direction. We’re working with the Government, growers, and all stakeholders to keep this industry moving forward. And for that  I beseech the patience, understanding and support of all.”

Within a week, the nation is going to benefit from an injection of nearly $30 million. With its far-reaching linkages, its benefits will not just be shared by the farmers but the entire nation.”