Renowned businessman and former Minister for Finance Sir Jim Ah Koy says the 2019-2020 budget is a godsend for farmers.

Agriculture he says retained its export incentives that will capitalize on the Fijian grown brand across new markets.

The Agriculture Ministry has been allocated more than $78 million.

This will be further complemented by grants for the Sugar Sector for new farmers of $4 million in addition to a Stabilization Fund of $30 million to guarantee cane prices over the next two years at $85 a tonne.

“I’ve come to this meeting, to the budget address not as an ex-Minister of Finance but as a farmer. We have one of the biggest pieces of land where we’re farming and we export to Australia and New Zealand and so from the business of farmer’s point of view, it’s a great budget.”

Ah Koy adds that compliance measures by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service should also be commended.
He says the steep penalties for non-payment of Value Added Tax is a reason for businesses to be honest in their dealings or face bankruptcy having to pay the fines.