319 sugarcane farmers suspended

The Labasa Cane Producers Association is calling on sugar cane farmers to adhere to the Fairtrade requirements. A total of 319 sugarcane farmers have been suspended, this year.

Of the 319 farmers, 109 farmers are placed under major suspension while 210 are placed under minor suspensions. The Labasa Cane Producers Association was the first organisation in Fiji to be Fairtrade certified.

The Association’s internal control services officer Mohammed Shah said the suspensions were imposed after farm inspections this year because they did not meet stringent Fairtrade requirements.

“Major suspension means they have been suspended for a year while minor suspension means they could be received back into the association once they adhere to certain requirements,” Mr Shah said. “These farms placed under suspension are considered at risk and will not qualify for assistance as per our internal regulations.

“Fairtrade focuses its efforts on farmers, so they can receive a fair share of money from the billion dollar sugar export market,” he said.

Mr Shah said meeting Fairtrade standards was not only about gaining financial benefits but was a way to improve social, environmental and economic development. “Farmers are very fortunate that our sugar is almost 100 per cent Fair Trade certified maybe the only country in the world. “So as long as we can find the market the Cane Producers Association will always get that money to assist you,” he said.