Fiji is making significant strides toward enhancing its organic agriculture sector, as announced by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, during a parliamentary session this week. The government is committed to establishing a National Organic Policy and Action Plan, which aims to position organic farming as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Tunabuna emphasized the integral role of the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community in guiding Fiji’s progress and shaping regional standards. He highlighted the importance of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), a community-driven approach that empowers farmers to conduct peer inspections and form groups, fostering accountability and ownership at the grassroots level.
As part of the initiative, the Ministry is in the final stages of developing the National Organic Policy and Action Plan, which will formalize government recognition of the PGS process and set a national framework for organic certification. This framework aligns with several strategic plans, including the Fiji National Development Plan (2025–2029) and the Non-Sugar Agriculture Sector 10-Year Policy (2025–2035).
Tunabuna also confirmed that Fiji has ratified the Global GAP Standards and is collaborating with PHAMA Plus to devise a tailored Fiji Good Agricultural Practices Standard, serving as a transitional step towards full organic certification. The policy, which builds on the 2018 draft, reflects extensive consultations with stakeholders and outlines key actions to enhance farmers’ access to certification. These include educational programs, group certification support, and the use of digital platforms to streamline certification processes.
This initiative not only represents a proactive step toward enhancing food security and rural livelihoods but also resonates with broader efforts to empower farmers and modernize agricultural practices across the country. By focusing on sustainable farming, Fiji aims to bolster its agricultural resilience, offering hope for economic stability and growth within its rural communities.
These advancements illustrate a dedicated effort by the Fijian government to integrate sustainability into its agricultural practices, ultimately aiming for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all involved in the industry.