Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
03/27/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/27/2025 01:06
GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FAIR CANE...
The Minister for Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, has reaffirmed the Coalition Government's commitment regarding the third cane payment for the 2024 season.
"While the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has made the third payment in accordance with the requirements of the Master Award, the 2024 crop payment process is not yet complete. The government will, of course, come in to ensure that farmers receive a fair and just payment," said Minister Singh.
The third cane payment for the 2024 season stands at $12.22 per ton, which aligns with the seven- year average of $12.90 per ton (excluding government top-ups). However, this is not the final payment for the 2024 crop. As has been the practice under this government, additional support will be provided to ensure growers receive a just return for their hard work.
"Under our Coalition Government, we have consistently delivered the highest total cane payments-$91.38 per ton for the 2022 crop and a record $105.08 per ton for the 2023 crop."
FSC has fulfilled its legal obligations under the Master Award, which stipulates that the third payment is made from the balance of proceeds collected by the end of February. As in previous years, the government remains committed to stepping in with additional financial support.
Minister Singh has assured farmers that necessary payments will be done.
"The full 2024 crop payment process is ongoing, and government will ensure that growers receive what they deserve. The government's track record speaks for itself-consistently providing top-ups to cane payments, delivering record-high returns, and ensuring that the sugar industry remains sustainable. The third cane payment is just one component of the overall payment structure, and growers can be rest assured that further financial support is forthcoming. The coalition government remains committed to sustaining and strengthening the sugar industry, providing real solutions."
"We are focused on real solutions. Farmers can be assured that our government will always act in their best interests," the Minister concluded.
"While the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has made the third payment in accordance with the requirements of the Master Award, the 2024 crop payment process is not yet complete. The government will, of course, come in to ensure that farmers receive a fair and just payment," said Minister Singh.
The third cane payment for the 2024 season stands at $12.22 per ton, which aligns with the seven- year average of $12.90 per ton (excluding government top-ups). However, this is not the final payment for the 2024 crop. As has been the practice under this government, additional support will be provided to ensure growers receive a just return for their hard work.
"Under our Coalition Government, we have consistently delivered the highest total cane payments-$91.38 per ton for the 2022 crop and a record $105.08 per ton for the 2023 crop."
FSC has fulfilled its legal obligations under the Master Award, which stipulates that the third payment is made from the balance of proceeds collected by the end of February. As in previous years, the government remains committed to stepping in with additional financial support.
Minister Singh has assured farmers that necessary payments will be done.
"The full 2024 crop payment process is ongoing, and government will ensure that growers receive what they deserve. The government's track record speaks for itself-consistently providing top-ups to cane payments, delivering record-high returns, and ensuring that the sugar industry remains sustainable. The third cane payment is just one component of the overall payment structure, and growers can be rest assured that further financial support is forthcoming. The coalition government remains committed to sustaining and strengthening the sugar industry, providing real solutions."
"We are focused on real solutions. Farmers can be assured that our government will always act in their best interests," the Minister concluded.
Government of the Republic of Fiji published this content on March 27, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 27, 2025 at 07:06 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]