Serve with passion and humility so that together, we can grow the agriculture sector to greater heights.

These were the words of the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu to management and staff of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), during an official welcoming ceremony held at the Southern Cross Hotel in Suva this morning.

Earlier this week, BAF transitioned from the Ministry of Public Enterprises to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways where they will now be reporting to.

Hon. Rayalu thanked the staff for their dedication throughout the years and encouraged them to continue to perform their duties to the best of their abilities.

“These are exciting times ahead for the agricultural sector in Fiji and I need you to step up and see the bigger picture. You have a huge role to play and as front liners to our domestic and international trade of agricultural products, I hope that you will continue to deliver the much needed services required of you,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“This transition will bring new opportunities and responsibilities for the staff and the sector as a whole.

This shift could mean greater support for your efforts in biosecurity, which is essential for protecting Fiji's agriculture from pests, diseases, and other threats,” added Hon. Rayalu.

“We look forward to working together to assist in government efforts in growing the agricultural sector. We need your expertise and professionalism and I know that together, we can harness the great potential that agriculture has in Fiji.”

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji’s reorganization was approved by Cabinet on January 21, 2025 and this week, the transition was formalized.

It is envisaged that the transition of BAF to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways will streamline operations and enhance the synergy between biosecurity efforts and agricultural development.

With BAF now directly under the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, the government aims to ensure more cohesive and focused efforts in tackling issues that affect the agriculture sector, such as pests, diseases, and other biosecurity threats.

This move is expected to result in a better utilization of Fiji's agricultural resources, improved responses to outbreaks with better stakeholder collaboration, better accountability, to facilitate agriculture trade and stronger leadership.

-ENDS-

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