The Ministry of Agriculture & Waterways is spearheading an aspiring drive to build a competitive, innovative, and resilient agricultural sector in Fiji, ensuring that no farmer or community is left behind.

Central to this mission is a strong commitment to gathering high-quality agriculture data, which will serve as the foundation for smart policies and impactful programs.

Since completing the 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census, the Ministry’s Fiji Agriculture Statistics Unit, part of the Economic Planning & Statistics Division, has been conducting vital surveys every year.

With ongoing technical support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) and the World Food Program, the Ministry has launched several key data collection initiatives within the inter-agriculture census period, namely;

Agriculture Production Survey – Conducted annually, this survey estimates production data, providing critical insights into agricultural output and performance.

Municipal Market Survey – Conducted monthly, this survey monitors prices of agricultural produce, helping stakeholders understand market trends and pricing dynamics.

SDG Farm-Based Indicators Survey – Conducted every three years, this survey measures Fiji’s progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets, with a focus on smallholders' income and productivity, agricultural sustainability, and addressing the gender gap in agriculture.

Mobile Vulnerability Assessment Survey (mVAM) – Conducted annually using mobile phones, this survey monitors food consumption patterns among agricultural households, segmented by nutrition groups, to assess food security and nutritional status at the District level.

Specialized Commodity Censuses – Each year, two key commodities are strategically targeted, and this financial year, the focus is resolutely on rice and yaqona. The censuses that we conduct, deliver vital insights into each industry and play a crucial role in transforming Fiji’s farming landscape.

These surveys are more than numbers. They are the voice of our farmers and the blueprint for a stronger agricultural future.

By understanding what’s happening on the ground, we have tailored policies like the Gender in Agriculture and Youth in Agriculture policies, and in the process of finalizing new industry-specific strategies for yaqona, rice, coconut, cocoa, coffee, and livestock commodities. Together, we’re planting the seeds for sustainable growth and food security.

The data collected is driving a range of strategic initiatives, including the;

Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028)

10-Year Fiji Non-Sugar Agriculture Sector Policy (2025–2035)

New capital programs are set for the 2025/26 financial year, targeting smallholder farms, home and school gardening, National Fruit Orchards, Agro-Tourism, and agricultural value-added production with increased budgetary allocation on main economic commodities (Yaqona, dalo, rice, ginger).

Continuous updates to farmers’ profiles in a National Farmers Repository Database known as

VitiAgriDataHub, to ensure that future surveys will be even more precise and effective.

The Ministry expresses deep gratitude to farmers and stakeholders for their ongoing cooperation. The Assistant Field Statisticians are keen to engage with farming communities in the next financial year (2025/26), ensuring that every voice is heard and every challenge addressed.

Your participation in these surveys is crucial in shaping the operation and future of agriculture in Fiji.

ENDS

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