Nineteen women were awarded this evening for their outstanding performances and contribution to the agricultural sector.

In officiating at the event, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu said that tonight, we gather to celebrate a force that has long been the backbone of our nation’s agriculture — the women who till our lands, nurture our crops, feed our families, and drive economic growth. It is a privilege to stand before you as we honour the extraordinary women who are transforming the agricultural landscape of Fiji.

“When we speak of agriculture in Fiji, we must recognise the remarkable contributions of our women farmers, entrepreneurs, and agribusiness leaders. They are not just participants in agriculture; they are innovators, visionaries, and trailblazers,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“Women’s hands are present in every stage of the agricultural cycle — planting, harvesting, processing, and marketing. They bring invaluable knowledge of traditional farming methods, adapt quickly to modern innovations, and ensure the sustainability of food production. Yet, their contributions have too often been overlooked. Today, we correct that by celebrating their resilience, their determination, and their successes.”

He added that despite the challenges, Fijian women in agriculture have broken barriers. They have moved beyond subsistence farming into agribusiness, ensuring food security, creating employment, and driving rural economic growth. The stories of women leading cooperative farms, pioneering organic agriculture, and venturing into value-added food production are nothing short of inspiring.

“Yet, we know that challenges remain. Access to land, finance, technology, and markets continues to be an uphill battle for many women. Gender biases still exist, and cultural norms sometimes stand in the way of their full participation in decision-making. That is why, as a government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering women in agriculture,” stressed Hon. Rayalu.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is taking bold steps to ensure that women are given the tools and opportunities they deserve.

“We have developed policies such as the 10-Year Agriculture Sector Policy (2025-2035), the Strategic Development Plan, and the Policy for Gender in Agriculture (2022-2027) — all aimed at creating an enabling environment for women to thrive in agriculture.”

For the 2024-2025 financial year, government has allocated a Women in Agriculture capital budget of FJD 300,000. This funding is dedicated to supporting women’s projects, providing access to small farming equipment, enhancing floriculture nurseries, and assisting with traditional crafts such as voivoi and masi production.

These initiatives are not just about financial support; they are about recognizing women’s contributions and investing in their future.

Hon. Rayalu added that when we invest in women in agriculture, we invest in Fiji’s economic future as women’s involvement leads to increased productivity, food security, and sustainable farming practices.

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we are reminded that while progress has been made, the journey is far from over.

To truly accelerate action, we must:

Ensure equal access to land ownership and lease opportunities for women.

Improve financial literacy and access to funding for women-led agricultural businesses.

Strengthen women’s participation in agricultural cooperatives and leadership roles.

Expand training programs tailored for women in farming and agribusiness.

Enhance market access so that women’s agricultural products reach both local and international buyers.

Tonight, we recognize the women who have gone above and beyond in transforming agriculture in Fiji. Each award recipient represents the thousands of women working tirelessly to build a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector.

Hon. Rayalu congratulated the award winners and said that they have shattered stereotypes, overcome obstacles, and paved the way for future generations of women in agriculture.

“As the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, I stand here to say—we see you, we support you, and we will continue to champion your growth.

“As we move forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality in agriculture. Let us pledge to be relentless in breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and creating a future where every woman farmer, entrepreneur, and leader has the opportunity to thrive.”

Congratulations once again to all the recipients of tonight’s awards. May your success inspire many more women to take their rightful place in the field of agriculture.

Guests at the event included Deputy Speaker and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua, Minister of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Honourable Sashi Kiran and the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways sincerely thanks the sponsors of the 2025 National Women in Agriculture Symposium, namely the World Bank, UN Women, UNDP and the Fiji Development Bank.

ENDS

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