Today marks the start of the Farmers Forum organised by the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council (FCLC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways (MoAW) with support from the Pacific Island Farmers Organisation Network (PIFON).                                  

 

With the theme “Organizing and Strengthening Farmers and Farmers’ Organisation as Entrepreneurs and Partners in Agribusiness”, the initiative aims to enhance efficiency and modernize the agricultural sector by empowering farmers and strengthening farmers’ organisations, positioning them as entrepreneurs and collaborators in agri-business endeavors.

 

The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr Andrew Tukana while addressing the farmers at the official opening, said the forum provides a platform for farmers and farmer organisations within the agricultural supply chain to join forces in creating a sustainable future.

 

“It is great to note, that the FCLC’s vision of “promoting efficiency in farming to increase production and income” aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways 5-Year Strategic Development Plan and I am pleased to be part of the efforts of FCLC in supporting the initiatives carried out by the Ministry,” said Dr Tukana.

 

He added that establishing farmer organizations and building community-level marketing capacities are essential components of any strategy towards a more productive and sustainable agriculture sector.

 

“The significance of agriculture in Fiji extends beyond food and nutritional security, as it also serves as a source of livelihoods and employment. Additionally, it contributes to sustainable development and economic growth.”

 

He said the agricultural sector offers significant investment potential for farmers, agro processors, and exporters to produce food and food products through value adding to fulfill domestic demand and contribute to our economy by reducing our food import bill which is $FJ$1.07billion. 

 

“Imagine if we could reduce the food import value by one-third by increasing the volume of production through improved productivity and by reducing food wastage.”

 

“The sector is facing numerous challenges, some within our control and some beyond our control. However, we must overcome them to establish the necessary frameworks, policies, and strategies for government, partners, and stakeholders to invest. The growth of the agricultural sector in Fiji can be influenced by Public Private Partnerships for most of these efforts.”

 

According to the 2020 Agricultural Census Report, Fiji has a total of 83,395 farmers, with 85.6 percent being male and 14.4 percent being female.

 

In Fiji, 37.2 percent of all households are involved in agriculture, with 70,991 households in total. Among them, 88.1 percent are male-headed and 11.9 percent are female-headed.

 

In 2023, the non-sugarcane agriculture sector in Fiji accounted for 8.2 percent of the total GDP, reaching FJD$689.3 million. There has been a 3.7 percent increase in growth from the previous year.

 

 

In addition, Dr Tukana also emphasized the Ministry’s recent efforts to establish the necessary frameworks and structures.

 

“The Ministry has re-aligned its organizational structure, developed a Strategic Development Plan for 2024 – 2028, and developed a Fiji Agriculture Sector Policy for 2024 – 2034 and a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.”

 

He said that one of the Ministry’s significant accomplishments is the Viti Agri Data Hub Platform, which allows for real-time data entry and informed decision-making. Additionally, there is the Online Data Library for sharing data, which is aligned with the National Development Plan and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

 

“The Ministry is considering a review of all current Agricultural Acts to ensure their relevance to the sector’s growing needs,” said Dr Tukana.

 

He added that the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways will continue to collaborate, network, and work with all stakeholders, including Research Institutions, Non-Government Organisations, Development partners, farmers, agro processors, and exporters, to sustainably grow the sector in Fiji.

 

Dr Tukana encouraged the farmers to have a fruitful discussions to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of information and knowledge between them and the farmer organizations and assess and identify challenges and opportunities and to develop solutions for their farms and organisations.

 

“I look forward to you gaining valuable insights into the complexities of forming efficient organizations, implementing good governance, transparency and accountability, and good working ethics and values.

By coming together as a collective force, you will lay the groundwork for appropriate and relevant solutions.”

 

Dr Tukana also congratulated the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council on their 10-year Anniversary and looks forward to working closely with them in the near future. 

 

With a membership base encompassing approximately 80,000 individuals across the crop and livestock sector, FCLC serves as a vital conduit for farmer representation and participation in decision-making processes.  

 

ENDS

 

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