The newly-opened Fiji Pine Limited (FPL) office in Seaqaqa has employed 21 Fijians to look after 5954 hectares of pine-leased lands in 54 landowning units in Macuata on Vanua Levu.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu officially opened the revamped branch yesterday.
Out of the 5954 hectares, he said 60 per cent were ready for harvest, including those that were being harvested, 25 per cent are middle-aged crops, and 15 per cent younger crops.
“The Government acknowledges the development and the returns to the Landowners and looks forward to the participation of landowners in managing this industry as well,” Mr Ravu said.
“The landowners and the industry must always work together, share knowledge and skills and elevate investments in the sector while building capacities of landowners to manage their resources effectively with Fiji Pine – this would be an ideal model for the nation.”
There are six FPL offices in the country, two of which are in the North.
The revamped office at Seaqaqa had been abandoned for more than two decades.
