The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has a proud history with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the various programs in place which is aimed at growing the agricultural sector.

Yesterday, ACIAR Chief Executive Officer, Professor Wendy Umberger paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu to strengthen their longstanding partnership.

Speaking to the visiting delegation, Hon. Rayalu thanked ACIAR for their continued support towards the ministry’s programs.

“We continue to value our vuvale partnership and hope that we will continue to work together in terms of staff capacity building and expertise and knowledge sharing,” said Hon. Rayalu.

Professor Umberger said that ACIAR is adamant in continuing their support and will work together with the ministry in areas of mutual interest.

“My role is to listen and understand Fiji’s priorities in food security, livelihood generation and sustainable resource management of agriculture and fisheries, especially for small holder famers and fisherfolks and understand where ACIAR is best placed to support and complement ongoing initiatives of the Ministry,” added Professor Umberger.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana and Ms Mai Algacan, the ACIAR Regional Manager for the Pacific were also in attendance to share the work that has progressed over the years.

These include ongoing projects, particularly on:

Land Use Unit

Animal Health Production

Soils (Pacific Soils Project)

Plant Protection (Plant Health Doctors, Coconut genetics, Sweet Potato resilience)

Hon. Rayalu reiterated the importance of such partnerships in the broader context of national development and economic growth.

"By working together, we can ensure that our farmers are equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and tools to thrive, even in the face of emerging challenges," he concluded.

The visit ended on a positive note, with both ACIAR and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways expressing their commitment to a continued and strengthened partnership for the development of the agricultural sector in the region.

ENDS

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