Bilateral meetings to forge and strengthen partnerships have been taking place within the margins of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) Forum in Denarau, Nadi.

This afternoon, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu met with Mick Crouch, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian National Meat Industry Training Advisory Council (MINTRAC).

Hon. Rayalu emphasised in their discussions that with a high turnover of staff in the meat industry- losing butcher men, meat inspectors, quality assurance officers, and other skilled workers through the PALM scheme, the Ministry must ensure that the meat industry has a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the industry and maintaining high standards of quality and safety in Fiji.

“Fiji remains committed to ensuring meat is safe as food and it poses no risk to Human Health,” said Hon. Rayalu.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways had previously worked with MINTRAC with some training programs in the meat industry.

This included regional trainings held at the Nasinu abattoir on meat inspection and hygiene where six regional countries were involved.

Apart from this, a MINTRAC consultant also did awareness and consultation on rural slaughter in the three divisions with the assistance of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO).

Hon. Rayalu discussed on training packages, especially on the development and review of national qualifications and training frameworks.

MINTRAC is internationally recognized for its expertise in developing training and professional development solutions for Australian meat industry business development requirements.

MINTRAC is an independent national company at the forefront of innovation in skills and training, with strong links to Industry and Registered Training Organizations. Managed by a meat industry Board of Directors, the organization has well-established industry relationships and is valued by the industry for its expertise in education and training.

MINTRAC also has the capacity to rapidly develop and disseminate training responses to industry strategic directions and priorities. Its national focus means that such dissemination is well-coordinated, comprehensive, and nationally consistent. This includes the capability to develop accredited training, training and assessment support materials, and professional development programs.

ENDS