Growers win five dollar delivery boost

Fiji's sugar industry is offering a vital boost to more than 10,000 cane farmers with an increase in the delivery payment. The payment has been raised from $42 to $47 per delivery, a move designed to encourage farmers to press on with harvesting despite significant challenges within the sector.

Council Chief Executive Vimal Dutt confirmed the increase follows extensive discussions with the Ministry and other industry stakeholders. He acknowledged that growers have expressed concerns about the previous payment being insufficient to cover rising costs and inflation impacting harvesting activities. "Yes, we have been out in the ground and listening to growers, and we understand that the delivery payment, which is an important payment that allows growers to harvest and deliver cane, so looking at the inflation and other aspects that are affecting the prices, so that has not been very encouraging," Dutt stated.

Dutt added that while global sugar prices remain a difficult factor, this adjustment offers much-needed relief. The increased payment is expected to help sustain production and maintain momentum in Fiji's crucial sugar industry, ensuring continued harvesting efforts.

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Yes, we have been out in the ground and listening to growers, and we understand that the delivery payment, which is an important payment that allows growers to harvest and deliver cane, so looking at the inflation and other aspects that are affecting the prices, so that has not been very encouraging.