The Sugar Industry Tribunal has announced the start dates for the 2025 crushing season at the Lautoka and Labasa mills in Fiji. The Lautoka mill will begin its operations on June 11, while the Labasa mill is scheduled to start on June 17. The decision follows a submission from the Fiji Sugar Corporation and consultations with the Chief Executive of the Sugar Cane Growers Council.
Cane growers in the areas surrounding these mills are encouraged to start harvesting and delivering their cane a day before the crushing begins. Furthermore, the Tribunal plans to announce the expected date for the termination of crushing for both mills in September, taking into account the performance of harvesting and crushing operations.
This development comes amid ongoing discussions in the sugar industry regarding the potential operation of only two mills in Fiji, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the sector. The Tribunal is also expected to provide updates about the crushing status at the Rarawai mill in Ba in the near future.
This new season brings hope for sugar growers as they prepare for the upcoming harvest, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to maximize productivity and efficiency within the industry.
In summary, the announced start dates for the crushing season can incentivize farmers to increase their production efforts, portraying a positive outlook for Fiji’s sugar market in the coming year.
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