Fiji Sugar Corporation chair defends company amid farmer backlash

Fiji Sugar Corporation Chair Nitya Reddy has pushed back against farmer accusations, stating that the industry's progress is hindered by a tendency to assign blame. Responding to concerns from Rakiraki farmers during a Special Committee on the Sugar Industry meeting, Reddy argued that singling out FSC for the industry's dire situation is dishonest.

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Those people who have been trying to say that FSC alone has got to be demonised are being very, very dishonest, unfortunately.

Reddy acknowledged that the previous year was the most disastrous in the 140-year history of the FSC. He attributed significant difficulties, including the loss of 100,000 tons of standing cane, to the Rarawai Mill fire on September 17th of the previous year. However, he stressed that this single event does not account for all the industry's problems.

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I accept the fact that last year was about the most disastrous season in the 140-year history of FSC.

He detailed the government's allocation of a $96 million grant, with $80 million directly benefiting the industry. This grant, when divided by the cane tonnage, adds substantially to the base price farmers receive. Reddy also pointed to FSC's historical financial performance, noting a $600 million loss over the past two decades, while emphasizing that current discussions must consider the context of the Master Award and all related issues. The Special Committee has assured farmers that the $85 per tonne price is a minimum and will be reviewed after consultations.

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We can’t be talking in a vacuum. We have got to address all these issues and consider them in the context of the Master Award.