Fiji has achieved a significant milestone by exporting a three-tonne commercial trial shipment of Ripley Queen pineapples to New Zealand, showcasing the country’s agricultural potential. This shipment, facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways as part of its Agriculture Trade and Marketing Research Programme, serves to enhance Fiji’s reputation in international markets for high-quality produce.
Farmers in Fiji are celebrating this success, which reflects years of dedication and effort to meet export standards. The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, praised the collective hard work of farmers, exporters, and partner agencies in realizing this achievement. He emphasized that this milestone not only expands Fiji’s export potential but also benefits rural livelihoods by promising additional income opportunities for agricultural workers.
The Ripley Queen variety has garnered positive feedback from New Zealand buyers, noted for its natural sweetness, vibrant flavor, and good shelf life. This favorable reception underscores the immense value of Fiji’s fresh produce while supporting initiatives aimed at diversifying the agricultural sector and securing broader market access.
Importantly, the trial shipment has successfully passed all biosecurity and quality checks stipulated by New Zealand authorities, indicating Fiji’s capability to meet strict export standards. This success lays the groundwork for future discussions regarding larger and more frequent shipments, further bolstering trade relations between Fiji and New Zealand.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to maintain close collaboration with growers and exporters to gather market feedback and investigate opportunities for enhancing supply to both New Zealand and other potential markets. For the farmers who produced these pineapples, this achievement signifies more than just a shipment; it embodies renewed confidence in Fiji’s agricultural sector, promising possibilities for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global arena.
In a broader context, Fiji’s agricultural exports are positioned positively due to previous reports highlighting the nation as the leading supplier of fresh produce in the Pacific region, fulfilling over 80% of New Zealand’s demand. There are optimistic projections for Fiji’s trade landscape, with expectations of substantial growth fueled by increasing recognition of the quality of Fijian produce and ongoing support for local farmers. This not only paves the way for economic upliftment but reinforces the commitment of all stakeholders to foster a thriving agricultural economy in Fiji.