Fiji’s agricultural sector gathered momentum as leaders, development partners, and industry stakeholders convened in Suva for the Harvesting Success: PHAMA Plus Fiji Knowledge Forum. The event focused on outlining both the accomplishments thus far and the future direction of Fiji’s agricultural export growth.
Dr. Andrew Tukana, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, inaugurated the forum by highlighting agriculture’s pivotal role in enhancing Fiji’s economic resilience. He stressed the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders to effectively navigate the intricacies of the agricultural landscape.
The PHAMA Plus initiative, supported by Australia and New Zealand, has made commendable progress over the past four years, positively impacting more than 40,000 Fijians in essential sectors such as kava, spices, root crops, and biosecurity. The forum provided a platform to reflect on the experiences gained from Fiji’s export journey while discussing the rapidly expanding kava industry, inclusive value chains, and improvements in fresh produce standards facilitated through certification schemes like Fiji GAP. The discussions benefited from regional case studies, encompassing Papua New Guinea’s coffee and Vanuatu’s cacao industries.
Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts and New Zealand High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow reaffirmed their nations’ ongoing dedication to backing Fiji’s agribusiness sector. They revealed that talks regarding a successor program to PHAMA Plus would kick off early next year, ensuring sustained support for the agricultural sector beyond 2026.
This joint endeavor signals a bright outlook for Fiji’s agricultural landscape, showcasing a spirit of optimism and a robust framework poised for future growth and sustainability in the industry.