Intervene, union urges tribunal
THE Sugar Industry Tribunal has been urged to intervene in the current impasse between canegrowers and the Fiji Sugar Corporation that has resulted in a harvest boycott in the Northern Division.
National Farmers Union general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry said in a letter to the tribunal last week that the boycott could extend to Viti Levu when mills opened for crushing.
“All indications are that farmers in these mill areas will not be in a financial position to prepare for the harvest for the reasons stated in their petitions,” stated Mr Chaudhry.
“Having consulted with the farmers widely, we believe a solution to the current situation is best found in the Ministry of Economy making sufficient funds available to the Fiji
Sugar Corporation to meet the growers’ request for a pre-harvest supplementary fourth cane payment of $10 per tonne.”
He said the farmers’ concerns on the low forecast price and delivery payment for the 2021 season would need to be addressed before the commencement of the harvest.
“They are definitely not likely to want to harvest at a loss to themselves.
“Government must, concurrently, decide whether it will extend the $85 per tonne guaranteed minimum price for future seasons.
“These are all important issues which should not be left hanging in the air.
“The industry today stands at a crossroads, requiring decisions that will instil confidence in the farmers in its future growth and prosperity.”
Questions sent to the tribunal registrar Timothy Brown earlier this week remained unanswered.