Fiji along with Samoa and Solomon Islands signed an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on a new project titled “Sustainable transformation of domestic agrifood systems in Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands”, at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.

The three-year project, with funding of EUR10 million from the European Union (EU), aims to improve the domestic production and consumption of agrifood in the target countries and the wider region.

The project aims to improve domestic production and consumption by working towards a resilient and sustainable agrifood transformation in Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. 

The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Vatimi Rayalu, during his official address, expressed Fiji’s pride in being part of the project that will lead to increased domestic food production and consumption, enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihoods in the country.

Hon. Rayalu said that the EU has always been a valued development partner for the Pacific region, either bilaterally or through their regional funding allocations for the region.

“The most recent support given to Fiji via the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has been the EU FAO-funded FIRST programme and the Technical Assistance (TA) to the Support to Rural Livelihoods Project.”

He said the notable key achievements of these projects were the development of Gender and Youth in Agriculture Policies for the first time.

“In fact, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is leading the Government in adopting Gender Responsive Budgeting in the financial years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 budget submissions tackling gender inequalities in the areas of the agri-food system.”

He said the unique aspect of both projects was the placement of technical advisers in the Ministry working closely with the Ministry staff and building their capacities.

“I am pleased that the EU has again partnered with the UNFAO to implement this 3-year programme, taking advantage of the FAO’s extensive technical expertise, know-how and experience in the Pacific region.”

He said besides technical support from FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands, support will also be rendered from FAO Headquarters in Rome and the Asia-Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok when needed. 

All three project countries have FAO country offices and they have an important role to play to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the project at the national level.

“I urge that implementation of the project starts as soon as possible and look forward to my team advancing the work plans through the Project Steering Committee and having a constructive dialogue with all parties. With this unique 3-prong approach of the project, we have the opportunity and means to transform our agri-food systems,” said Hon. Rayalu.

He assured the Ministry would provide complete support and collaborate with all stakeholders to facilitate project implementation.

Hon. Rayalu said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is happy to host the Project Manager and their team, who are based at the FAO Country Office.

According to FAO, the new project will focus on creating an enabling atmosphere for sustainable agrifood systems transformation by working closely with governments and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement supportive policies and regulations that promote sustainable agricultural practices, provide incentives for environmentally friendly production methods, and establish mechanisms for effective governance and coordination among different stakeholders.

The project will also aim to enhance the abilities, expertise, and potential of farmers, extension workers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to participate efficiently in sustainable local food production.

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