Farmers seek lease certainty

Sugar farmers have called for land lease solutions as expiry concerns threaten the industry’s future.

Concerns over expiring agricultural leases and the future of sugarcane farming were raised during the Parliament Special Committee on the Sugar Industry consultation in Seaqaqa.

Seaqaqa sugarcane farmer Tevita Waqavakatoga urges landowners and stakeholders to consider ways to allow experienced sugarcane farmers to remain on the land and continue contributing to the industry.

Mr Waqavakatoga said many were worried about their future as their leases approached expiry.

“Most of them are born, breed and die as farmers. They are thinking about their families and what they will do tomorrow,” he said.

Mr Waqavakatoga said many Indo-Fijian sugarcane farmers had built their lives around farming and had the knowledge required to sustain the industry.

“If there is something the Government can do to help these farmers stay, they can continue sugarcane farming,” he said.

Mr Waqavakatoga acknowledged that land issues were sensitive but said discussions between landowners and farmers were needed.

“This is the only way forward. We need to sit down and talk to the landowners,” he said.

He said landowners would always retain ownership of their land, but farmers could continue to contribute through responsible use of the resources.

TLTB CEO replies

“Land will be left behind when we go, but we are here to till the land,” he said.

Meanwhile, iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) chief executive officer Solomone Nata told farmers they had options when applying for new leases.

Mr Nata said farmers could apply for 30-year or 50-year leases, with different rental rates applying.

“For 10 acres, I think that is quite cheap. We can discuss your case,” he said.

He explained that agricultural lease rentals were determined under the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act, with the rent based on 6 per cent of the unimproved capital value of the land.

Mr Nata said the rental process followed the legal schedule and farmers could engage with TLTB to discuss their individual circumstances.

The consultation comes as sugarcane farmers across the country continue to raise concerns about lease expiries, which they say affect their confidence to invest in farms and plan for the future.