FSC confirms Rarawai Mill to open on 24th June, slams rumours as disruptive and false

The Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd confirms that the Rarawai Mill will commence operations for the 2025 crushing season on the 24th of June, in accordance with FSC’s operational schedule.

FSC Chairman Nitya Reddy says this clarification is issued in response to recent public speculation and media reports suggesting otherwise.

Reddy has also condemned the rumours and described the reports as inaccurate and disruptive, particularly at a time when industry stability is essential.

He says it has become an annual ritual for some to indulge in such highly damaging falsehood.

The Chair says these narratives are purposely designed to disrupt pre-crush operations and erode confidence among our growers, employees, and stakeholders.

He stresses that Rarawai Mill remains a key part of our future, and it will operate not just this season but beyond serving the interests of the growers and employees.

Reddy further say FSC fully supports the Government’s recently announced special sugarcane payment initiative.

He says the initiative is designed to assist farmers in preparing for the 2025 season, which begins in early June and also aims to help growers secure labour and fund critical pre-season preparations.

The Chair says this initiative is both timely and essential and demonstrates a shared commitment to the sustainability of the industry and will enable growers to meet off-season costs more effectively.

He says to date, farmers have received four payments totalling $86.66 per tonne and this additional $5 support payment raises the total to 91.66 dollars per tonne, with the final 2024 payment expected in October 2025.

Reddy further says FSC is projecting a strong upturn in the 2025 season, with cane supply expected to increase by 15 percent or roughly 200,000 additional tonnes compared to last year.

He says this is forecast to result in 20,000 tonnes more sugar, helping to counter the current falling global prices.

The Chair says all three mills, Lautoka, Labasa, and Rarawai, must operate at full capacity to manage the anticipated crop load.

Reddy says no single mill can manage Viti Levu’s full cane output. Any suggestion to the contrary misleads farmers and disrupts harvesting logistics.

He says FSC continues to work closely with the Ministry of Finance and other government agencies to address grower concerns, including cane pricing, payment timelines, and infrastructure support.

Reddy says they have released the forecast cane price for 2025 and are committed to ensuring transparency and regular updates to growers.

He is urging all stakeholders to approach the season constructively and collaboratively.

Reddy says the sugar industry is a cornerstone of the economy and at a time when we are desperately trying to rebuild confidence and increase production after decades of gross neglect, decline and mismanagement, we ask for responsible leadership and not the constant opportunistic self-seeking demagoguery and politicisation.

Reddy says we must work together, growers, unions, government and FSC, to protect and sustain the industry’s future.

FSC also thanked the Government for its ongoing support to the growers and its 2,000 employees for their resilience, commitment and continued partnership.