A proposal has been presented for a feasibility study concerning the Fiji Meats Industry Board Abattoir, which aims to evaluate potential upgrades, expansions, or even relocating existing facilities. This initiative was a key topic during a recent meeting between Dr. Andrew Tukana, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, and representatives from the Fiji Meat Industry Board.
Plans for the abattoir include the establishment of an Integrated Training Facility designed to enhance the skills of meat workers, thereby improving their employability both locally and abroad. Scott Robinson from Response Group International, an Australian consulting firm, emphasized the significance of this training aspect during the presentation of the feasibility study’s goals.
Robinson outlined that the study seeks to pinpoint the most commercially viable options for the abattoir, ensuring compliance with Australian standards while aiming to increase profitability, improve market supply, and elevate product quality. He also underscored the critical need to address the skilled labor shortage in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations, which the proposed training facility aims to resolve.
This initiative not only enhances the local meat industry but also promises to expand job opportunities for Fijians, strengthening the nation’s dedication to improving agricultural standards and fostering economic resilience amid global challenges. The project reflects a forward-thinking strategy towards sustainable development, paving the way for a more promising future for the sector and its workforce.