Excellencies,
Distinguished and Invited guest,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Members of the Media
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is a great pleasure to be here on the second day of the Farmers Forum 2024 as we
celebrate a decade of remarkable achievements by the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council.
It is pleasing to note the collaborations between the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council,
Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the Pacific Islands Farmers Organisations
Network in bringing farmers and key stakeholders together to discuss, address concerns
and most importantly, find constructive solutions to develop our Agriculture sector.
This two-day gathering marks a significant occasion for all of us, including the
Government, to engage directly with farmers, fostering productive consultations and
collaboration. It is imperative that we seize this opportunity to formulate and review
policies, regulations, and programs that best cater to the needs of our farmers.
The Council has evolved into Fiji’s leading advocate for agriculture, representing over
80,000 farmers and benefiting close to 71,000 households nationwide that is exhibited in
the Agriculture Census conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.
The Council has been instrumental in providing vital support to the non-sugar sector
farmers and their organisations, thanks to the unwavering support from donors,
implementing agencies, financial service providers, co-operatives, NGOs, and the private
sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Earlier this week, I met with the Kava Task Force made up of farmers and the business
community, to discuss the development in the Kava industry, including protection of the
industry. It was a productive meeting in which I personally learned about new emerging
concerns and issues faced by farmers and what the Government can do to help them
gain better market access and capital.
The Kava Bill will undergo an independent review and another round of consultations to
ensure that all stakeholders’ inputs are registered with the developments in the Kava
industry. We are implementing a comprehensive strategy at the national level to fully
realize the potential of Fiji’s kava sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, as we come together to focus on enhancing the agricultural sector, it is essential
to acknowledge the collaborative efforts taking place across various ministries to support
our farmers and agribusinesses. In addition to the initiatives led by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Waterways, the Ministry is actively working towards fostering economic
growth and promoting economic diversification.
Through various grant programme and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) and Co-operatives, the Ministry is providing essential mechanisms for
businesses to expand and go beyond. By offering monitoring, business advisory, services
and capacity-building training, we are empowering local entrepreneurs to thrive in the
competitive market landscape.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is also crucial to highlight the transformative impact of the initiatives such as Fijian
Grown under the Fijian Made Initiative. This program plays a pivotal role in not only
promoting locally produced goods but also in bolstering our farmers and strengthening
farmer’s organisations across the nation.
By championing Fijian Grown products through the Fijian Made initiative, we are not just
promoting economic growth but fostering a sense of pride and sustainability within our
farming communities. This concerted effort not only boosts the visibility and marketability
of local produce but also ensures fair returns for our hard-working farmers.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Further to that, we have established a Commercial Agriculture Taskforce that is aimed to
not only to boost agricultural productivity but also create new opportunities for sustainable
growth for the potential investors.
Ladies Gentlemen
Whilst data tells us that the Agriculture sector contributes just above 8% to GDP, your
Government believes you have the immense potential to make a stronger contribution.
It is a key Sector in advancing our economic diversification focus. Attached to this focus
is the development of Co-operatives who are an integral part of creating that sustainable
business model of communal large scale or commercial farming. There are about 600
operating co-operatives most of which provide support to the Agriculture sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Today, you will hear from key experts from within the industry. These speakers are
invaluable players in the market, and I ask you all to engage and deliberate on strategies
we can work together to rebuild and reignite the Agriculture sector. I look forward to the
outcome of this two-day forum to be part of our new National Development Plan.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To conclude, let us remain committed to empowering our farmers and farmers
organisations. It is through cohesive partnerships, innovative strategies, and unwavering
support from all stakeholders that we can realise the full potential of Fiji’s agricultural
sector.
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.