The Fiji Pine Group of Companies has cleared $2.2 million in debt in 2021 despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
While discussing the company’s achievements over the past 12 months with villagers of Nanau in Ra yesterday, Fiji Pine Group of Companies representatives in Rakiraki said that last year was one of their most successful years.
“2021 was a very successful year for the Pine Group despite the challenges of the pandemic,” the representative said.
“Part of this achievement is the company clearing its debt of $2.2m to Fijian Government achieving the historic planting record of 4213 hectares and developing community based projects for landowners through the Landowner Community Development Fund (LCDF).
“FPL will be increasing its land rental for this year to $14 per hectare from $13 per hectare.
“Which means more returns will now be challenged to landowners.”
The villagers also learned about the company’s lease security bonus payments that offered three options to landowners.
“Three payment options have been given this year which they must discuss with their members. This will be entirely the decision by the respective landowning unit on the preferred method of payment.
“The company will not intervene with their discussion but will facilitate their discussions,” he said.
The landowning units were also educated on the Landowner Community Development Fund which offered assistance to its members.
“The reformed Landowner Community Development Fund which is based on 5.5 per cent of logging, cartage and road operations is set aside to assist in the community development of all pine landowners.
“Top priority is the assistance for education for tertiary students.”
