In a joint effort to strengthen financial literacy and
consumer protection among sugarcane farmers, the Consumer
Council of Fiji (CCoF) and the Sugar Cane Growers Fund
(SCGF) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
formalising their collaboration.
The partnership
establishes a framework for cooperation between the two
institutions to promote consumer awareness, responsible
financial practices, and the welfare of farmers as
consumers. Through this MoU, both organisations will
collaborate on awareness programs, training sessions, and
community outreach activities to equip farmers with
essential knowledge on financial management, lending
practices, and their rights under relevant consumer and
financial laws.
The agreement also enables information
sharing and technical support between CCoF and SCGF,
allowing both parties to provide timely assistance to
farmers and address emerging issues within the sugarcane
industry.
Speaking at the signing, Consumer Council
CEO, Ms. Seema Shandil, said the partnership marks a
milestone in advancing rural consumer protection. “This
partnership between the Consumer Council of Fiji and the
Sugar Cane Growers Fund represents more than just a formal
agreement, it is a commitment to empower our farmers as
informed consumers. Through joint awareness initiatives,
research collaborations, and training programs, we will work
together to strengthen financial literacy and ensure growers
have the confidence to make sound financial
decisions,”
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“Our shared efforts will not only
address challenges related to access to finance and credit
contracts but also create a platform for continuous
dialogue, learning, and collaboration. By building these
networks and sharing resources, both institutions reaffirm
their dedication to fairness, transparency, and consumer
protection within Fiji’s sugar industry,” said Ms.
Shandil.
SCGF CEO, Mr. Raj Sharma said the MOU
formalizes and synergies the collaboration between the two
institutions to promote fair, transparent, and responsible
financial practices among growers, and to ensure growers are
empowered to make informed financial
decisions.
Through this partnership, Mr Sharma added
that both organizations will work jointly in the in
promoting financial education and consumer awareness among
cane growers, conducting joint outreach programs and
community awareness campaigns and strengthening advocacy for
responsible lending and borrowing practices within the
industry. He said this further instills National Development
Plan initiative in Strengthening Financial
Literacy
The MoU will remain in effect for five years
and reflects both institutions’ commitment to building an
informed, resilient, and financially secure sugarcane
farming community. For more information, consumers can
contact the Consumer Council of Fiji on the national
toll-free number 155 or email
complaints@consumersfiji.org.
