Fiji’s agricultural leaders, alongside development partners and industry stakeholders, convened in Suva for the Harvesting Success: PHAMA Plus Fiji Knowledge Forum, aimed at mapping out the achievements and future trajectory of the nation’s agricultural export growth.
Dr. Andrew Tukana, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, opened the forum by emphasizing the crucial role of agriculture in bolstering Fiji’s economic resilience. He underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to navigate the agricultural landscape effectively.
Funded by Australia and New Zealand, the PHAMA Plus initiative has made significant strides, positively impacting over 40,000 Fijians involved in key sectors such as kava, spices, root crops, and biosecurity over the past four years. The forum served to highlight lessons learned from Fiji’s export experience while discussing the burgeoning kava industry, inclusive value chains, and enhancements in fresh produce standards achieved through certification schemes like Fiji GAP. Insights were also drawn from regional case studies, notably Papua New Guinea’s coffee and Vanuatu’s cacao industries.
Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts and New Zealand High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow reiterated their nations’ ongoing commitment to supporting Fiji’s agribusiness sector. They announced that discussions regarding a successor program to PHAMA Plus would commence early next year, ensuring continued support for the agricultural sector beyond 2026.
This collaborative effort indicates a promising future for Fiji’s agriculture, reflecting optimism and a strong foundation for further growth and sustainability in the industry.