.gif)
The Fiji government is going ahead with the formation of a new body for cane growers, inviting applications from cane growers interested in serving on the board.
The Council of Sugar Cane Growers will replace the Sugar Cane Growers Council which was dissolved last November as part of a campaign by government to rid the sugar industry of politics.
Advertisements have been placed in the local dailies inviting cane growers to apply for eight board positions from the districts of Seaqaqa, Labasa, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka.
The criteria for selection states that cane growers who apply must not have actively participated in politics and produce more than 200 tonnes of cane annually.
Permanent secretary for Sugar, Manasa Vaniqi, said the council will work for the protection and development of the sugar industry.
It will make policy decisions for cane growers, advise the industry and government on matters affecting growers and establish, hold and administer funds for them.
The timeline for the formation of the council is not known.
