The Quality Cane Productivity Projects are categorized as below:

Cane Planting / Drainage / Culverts / In Farm Roads /Aglime
This program offers optional subsidy assistance to cane farmers, empowering them to choose among various options tailored to their farm requirements. These options include cane planting, drainage improvement, installation of culverts for infield access, and upgrading farm roads.

In 2014, the introduction of Aglime as an option presented farmers with a valuable opportunity to address soil pH issues. The subsequent increase in cane production directly correlates with the utilization of our subsidies for cane planting and drainage. The allocations for this project are shown in the table below:

Conversely, the implementation of culverts and improvements to in-farm roads have enhanced infrastructure on farms, streamlining the processes of cane harvesting and transportation.

Pre-Harvesting Assistance
Prior to the commencement of cane crushing in the middle of the year, cane farmers diligently prepare well in advance for the upcoming season.

The Pre-Harvest Assistance program was devised to aid farmers in their preparations for the crushing season. It involved the fair distribution of knives and files based on each farmer's previous year's cane production/tonnage.The allocations for this project are shown in the table below:

This assistance reduced cost burden for farmers trying to buy Knives and Files from their own pocket. The response of the assistance had been very positive as our distribution had always finished before the crushing season commenced.

Weedicide Subsidy
Following its establishment, the association embarked on a Paraquat Phase Out initiative, succeeded by the implementation of a weedicide subsidy assistance program to support growers. In 2011, the association introduced a Weedicide Replacement program aimed at ensuring the use of approved chemicals on cane farms. This program effectively replaced prohibited chemicals with approved alternatives, resulting in its successful execution.The allocations for this project are shown in the table below:

The weedicide subsidy assistance played a crucial role in supporting the Phase Out program by preventing farmers from utilizing prohibited chemicals. Assistance was tailored to individual farm production, with farmers collecting their approved weedicide from authorized outlets.

Fertiliser Subsidy
The sharp increase in fertilizer costs had a profound effect on cane farmers, leading to a noticeable decline in cane production across many farms. The high cost of fertilizer rendered many farmers unable to afford the necessary quantities, exacerbating the situation.The allocations for this project are shown in the table below:

Recognizing the financial constraints faced by farmers, the association intervened by offering fertilizer subsidies to alleviate the burden of costs. This initiative aimed to enable farmers to procure the requisite amount of fertilizer for their cane crops. Subsidies were allocated based on the number of bags purchased within a year.

Transportation Subsidy

Transport subsidy plays a pivotal role in sustaining the efficiency and profitability of sugar cane farming operations. Given the often-remote locations of cane farms and the bulkiness of harvested cane, transportation costs can constitute a significant portion of overall production expenses. By providing a subsidy for transportation, the financial burden on farmers is alleviated, enabling them to transport their harvested cane to processing mills economically. This subsidy ensures that farmers can maintain a competitive edge in the market by reducing the cost of production, thus safeguarding their profitability.The allocations for this project are shown in the table below:

Moreover, the availability of a transport subsidy enhances the accessibility of markets for cane farmers, facilitating the timely delivery of cane to processing facilities. Efficient transportation systems are crucial for preserving the quality of harvested cane, as delays in transport can lead to deterioration and loss of yield. With the assistance of subsidies, farmers can invest in reliable transport infrastructure and services, ensuring that their produce reaches the mills in optimal condition. Ultimately, the transport subsidy serves as a catalyst for the growth and sustainability of the sugar cane industry, fostering economic development in rural areas and supporting the livelihoods of cane farmers.

Knapsack Sprayer and Safety Packs

Investments

Mechanical Sugarcane harvesting

Upon recognizing the decline in quota allocation for Fair-Trade sugar and sales under Fairtrade since August 2015, the Board of Directors and Management of LCPA took decisive action. It became evident that the organization might not fulfill its initial purpose of serving its members effectively. In order to ensure the Association's continued vitality and support for its members, the Board, in collaboration with Management, conducted a thorough Needs Assessment exercise in 2016. Based on the priorities identified through this assessment, the proposal to acquire two mechanical harvesters in 2017 and one in 2019 was put forth and subsequently approved during the General Assembly. This strategic investment served to fortify the position of producers in agriculture, thus bolstering the sustainability and resilience of the industry.

As of today, LCPA has three harvesters and Two Lorries to assist the members with harvesting cane and transporting the cane to FSC Labasa Mill for processing and making sugar.

Subsidized Farm Drainage and Cane access Roads

Fiji has long grappled with the destructive aftermath of major cyclones, impeding development efforts and impeding progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The looming threat of climate change exacerbates this situation. Even before Tropical Cyclone Yasa struck Fiji, Fairtrade sugarcane farmers were already contending with challenges stemming from COVID-19, shifts in international trade agreements, and a consequent decline in Fairtrade sales. The mounting pressure of climate change, coupled with increased cyclone occurrences, further compounds the hardships faced by sugarcane farmers, limiting their already precarious livelihood options.

In the wake of the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Ana on the vulnerable low-lying cane fields, where flooding wreaked havoc on sugarcane crops and storm surges caused extensive destruction, the ongoing intrusion of seawater continues to inflict damage. Recognizing the urgent need to alleviate some of the burdens faced by affected farmers, the LCPA initiated a fundraising drive-in collaboration with Fair-Trade Australia and New Zealand, as well as other Fairtrade International Partners. This joint effort aimed to provide vital resources to support Fiji's Fairtrade sugarcane industry in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasa.

Additionally, in a proactive step to support its members and enhance farm productivity, the Board of LCPA invested in the purchase of two Exactors. These machines are intended to assist farmers in upgrading their in-farm drainage systems and cane access roads at subsidized rates. This initiative is geared towards bolstering farm productivity and resilience among the association's members in the face of ongoing challenges