Key stakeholders in Fiji’s sugar industry have identified several areas requiring reform during a review of the Master Award in Lautoka.

The Sugar Industry Tribunal hosted the review workshop at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel yesterday, bringing together representatives from major industry organisations and government agencies.

Opening the workshop, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Dr Andrew Tukuna stressed the need for the Master Award to remain fair, transparent and relevant to the changing needs of growers, millers and other industry participants.

Established in 1989 under the Sugar Industry Act, the Master Award covers key industry operations, including cane harvesting and delivery, payments, milling operations and dispute resolution.

During the workshop, stakeholders raised concerns about declining sugar production, fewer active cane growers and reduced land under sugarcane cultivation.

Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO Vimal Dutt outlined growers’ priorities, while the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji called for its responsibilities to be better recognised in the award.

Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO Bhan Singh also highlighted operational challenges facing the three mills, particularly the impact of declining cane production on operating costs.

Group discussions identified possible reforms, including compulsory superannuation contributions for farmers, improved land use, quality-based cane payments and greater commercialisation of sugarcane farming.

Sugar Industry Tribunal Chairman Semi Leweniqila called for continued engagement among stakeholders to further develop and refine the proposed changes.

The workshop marks a step towards identifying practical reforms aimed at protecting growers’ interests, improving industry efficiency and securing the future of Fiji’s sugar sector.