The Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, has revealed two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector in Fiji: the AgriTourism Programme and the Scaling-Up of Agriculture Value-Added Programme. These programs are designed to modernize agricultural practices and improve rural livelihoods, marking a significant shift in Fiji’s approach to agriculture.
During the launch event at the Nacocolevu Research Station in Sigatoka, Minister Tunabuna highlighted the critical link between agriculture and tourism, both vital components of Fiji’s economy. The AgriTourism Programme aims to strengthen local sourcing by fostering collaborations between farmers and the tourism industry, ensuring that areas reliant on tourism can consistently access high-quality agricultural products throughout the year.
In response to feedback collected from chefs, procurement officers, and distributors on Denarau Island, the Ministry of Agriculture is taking steps to enhance local processing facilities and improve distribution channels. This initiative will support the establishment of commercial Protected Agriculture Farming Systems, ensuring a reliable supply of quality produce throughout the year. The successful Denarau model will be adapted for other key tourism zones across Fiji.
The Agriculture Value-Added Programme, which addresses needs identified during the 2025 National Women in Agriculture Symposium, aims to improve access to mechanization and processing facilities for farmers. This program is set to enter a pilot phase to evaluate its effectiveness and lay the groundwork for broader implementation across the nation.
To support these initiatives, selected farmers and agri-entrepreneurs received vital equipment, tools, and support packages. The Ministry’s vision for a modern and diverse agricultural sector emphasizes trade and innovation, paving the way for enhanced productivity and sustainability within Fiji’s agriculture. These programs provide a hopeful outlook for the revitalization of the agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting local communities and boosting the overall economy.