According to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), the Lautoka mill will begin crushing on June 11, while the Labasa mill is scheduled to start operations on June 17. Farmers in the respective regions are advised to begin harvesting and delivering cane one day prior to the scheduled start dates.
The FSC has also announced a forecast price of $71.41 per tonne of cane for the 2025 season — slightly lower than the 2024 forecast of $71.77, reports The Fiji Times.
With the government guaranteeing a price of $85 per tonne, this means it will need to contribute $13.59 per tonne to meet the guaranteed rate for sugarcane farmers.
FSC said the new forecast price was determined in line with the Sugar Industry Tribunal’s Master Award, which outlines the structure for cane payments.
Under the Master Award, FSC must make a first payment equivalent to 60 percent of the forecast price. As a result, the initial payment for cane delivered in the 2025 season will be $42.85 per tonne.
