Ba Farmers on 'Unofficial Strike' Until Demands Met

Ba cane growers have resolved not to harvest their 2026 sugar cane crop unless the Government and Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) respond to a list of grievances ranging from low cane prices to rising fuel costs and unpaid entitlements, says the Fiji Labour Party.

The decision was reached during National Farmers Union (NFU) meetings held at the Ba Red Cross Hall and later at the Shri Venkatesh Permal Temple in Vunisamaloa on Saturday.

The growers have also called for the start of the crushing season to be deferred until their concerns are addressed. The Sugar Industry Tribunal has announced that the Lautoka Mill will begin crushing on June 10, Rarawai on June 16 and Labasa on June 17.

Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the farmers' decision effectively amounts to an unofficial strike, with growers refusing to harvest until action is taken on their demands.

At the centre of the dispute is the 2026 Forecast Price of $57.40 per tonne, which translates to a delivery payment of $42 per tonne, the same level paid in 2025.

Growers argue that the payment is no longer sufficient due to sharply rising production costs, particularly fuel prices, which they say have increased by around 60 per cent in recent months.

Farmers are calling for the forecast price to be increased to $85 per tonne, which would raise the delivery payment to $52 per tonne. Combined with the Government's announced top-up payment of $7.56 per tonne, growers say this would bring the total payment to $59.56 per tonne.

They are also seeking an increase in the guaranteed minimum cane price to $110 per tonne and want the rate reviewed annually.

Other demands include a fuel rebate to offset rising fuel costs, improved maintenance of rail transport infrastructure, compensation for approximately 120,000 tonnes of standover cane from the 2025 season, and payment of outstanding harvesting and incentive payments before the start of crushing.

The growers are also seeking refunds of burnt cane penalties deducted after the Rarawai Mill shut down following fire damage in September last year.

In addition, farmers want cane access roads repaired before the start of the season and have called on FSC to improve communication with growers, particularly during mill breakdowns.

Among the quality-of-life issues raised were requests for proper washroom facilities, rest areas and meal facilities for farmers and lorry drivers who often spend long hours waiting at mills during operational delays.

The NFU said these concerns were outlined in letters sent to the Minister for Sugar on December 18, 2025 and again on May 4, 2026.

Mr Chaudhry expressed disappointment that the correspondence had allegedly not been acknowledged.

"Farmers demand answers to issues raised therein. And they expect to be treated with some respect. They will pursue their claims to obtain justice," he said.

He also urged growers to remain united, saying solidarity would be critical if farmers hoped to successfully negotiate improvements to cane prices, payments and industry conditions.

Picture: The Fiji Labour Party.

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