SUGARCANE growers in the country will get an unprecedented opportunity to hear from international sugar industry stakeholders of how global sugar production and markets work when Fiji hosts the 2012 Asia Pacific Sugar Conference in Nadi next week.
Sugar permanent secretary Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Vaniqi said local farmers would get to hear of the issues faced by their counterparts all over the world and the manner in which solutions were worked out for the unique problems faced by international industry stakeholders. "The conference is jointly hosted by the government of Fiji, sugar industry stakeholders and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and International Sugar Organisation.
"Among the issues that will be discussed during the three-day talks are — market opportunities and challenges, the future of the African Caribbean Pacific Group and government's response to the crisis in the Fiji sugar industry and the future for Fiji's sugar industry," he said.
"Discussions will also be held on the impact of the Thai Sugar Policy on the world sugar economy, the causes and effects of the low adaptation rate of technology in sugar cane production, the impact of ongoing policy reforms and structural adjustments on the world sugar market and the impact of biofuels feedstock on sugar prices," he added.
Over 150 local participants are expected at the conference, including sugar industry stakeholders, Sugar Ministry officials and cane growers.
The conference which takes place from August 21-23 will be held at the Westin Denarau Resort in Nadi.