The Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) has welcomed fresh Government support for cane farmers, saying the package brings much-needed stability as growers grapple with rising costs and wider economic pressures. Announced measures include backing for an $85 per tonne guaranteed cane price for the 2025 crop season, with the Government contributing a $22 per tonne top-up, alongside additional harvesting support and targeted farmer incentives.
In a statement the SCGC described the intervention as “a clear recognition of the importance of cane growers to Fiji’s economy and rural communities.” The Council said the combination of a guaranteed price and direct assistance will provide growers with greater confidence to plan for the coming season, at a time when input costs — especially fuel — have tightened margins across the industry.
Beyond the price top-up, the Government package reportedly includes assistance to ease harvesting operations and incentive payments intended to encourage productivity and sustain farmer income. The Council commended broader Government measures aimed at cushioning the impact of global fuel price pressures, noting that such steps show a proactive approach to safeguarding the sector’s viability.
SCGC also used the announcement to urge growers to adopt practical measures to strengthen farm resilience. The Council encouraged maximising productive use of available land, exploring alternate and short‑term cropping options, and integrating livestock where feasible. It said those moves would not only bolster farm earnings but also contribute to national food security by diversifying rural production.
Financial prudence was another theme of the Council’s response. SCGC advised farmers to “manage borrowing carefully,” improve farm efficiency and rely on verified information when making business decisions. The message reflects concern that short-term relief must be paired with longer-term adjustments on farms to ensure sustainability once temporary supports are phased out.
The Council reiterated its commitment to work alongside Government and industry stakeholders to ensure the measures deliver tangible benefits on the ground. “Through responsible action, the industry will remain resilient and move forward,” the SCGC statement said, signalling an intent to engage on implementation details and to monitor outcomes for growers and mills.
The latest support package arrives amid ongoing uncertainty for the sector, which has faced volatile global markets, fluctuating input costs and rural economic pressures in recent years. By combining a guaranteed floor price with direct subsidies and operational assistance, the Government aims to steady incomes for cane farmers ahead of the 2025 crop season while encouraging efficiencies and diversification at farm level.
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