Funding for forest-based businesses a challenge for trust

GOVERNMENT’S allocation of $250,000 in the 2019-2020 budget to the Fiji Mahogany Trust will help the organisation better co-ordinate the interest of landowners and enhance their contribution to the industry.

Deputy secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiasi Waikere said the mahogany industry in Fiji was growing and landowners were a huge part of the success.

The trust held its board meeting in Suva yesterday during which the landowners from the 14 mahogany stations raised issues affecting the industry.

Mr Waikere said government had plans to expand the contribution of the forestry sector to grow its value and support the people.

FMT chairman Serevi Baledrokadroka said one of the major concerns raised by those present at the meeting was on funding for forest-based stations to start small businesses.

He said the 14 mahogany stations around the country had its separate trust with a business arm and their major challenge was funding for purchase of machinery to assist them in the harvesting.

“The DS adviced us to seek grants from other agencies such as the indigenous business fund from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and other government departments,” he said.

Mr Baledrokadroka said the $250,000 grant from government was mismatched for what was required by the industry.

However he said the trust had programed its services so that they are able to give out small grants to the different stations for their business projects.

The trust has two pilot projects in the New Year and is optimistic of a better year in 2020.