The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has allocated over $18 million to more than 5,000 farmers across rural and maritime areas in the past five years. This information was shared by AMA executive chairman Jone Sovalawa during the unveiling of the AMA’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for 2024-2026.
Sovalawa emphasized the importance of encouraging farmers through social media platforms to produce more highly sought-after commodities. He acknowledged that AMA faced numerous challenges since its establishment by the government 20 years ago, particularly issues related to governance and financial discipline, which were often tied to the lack of documented plans and management difficulties.
“For over a decade, AMA has not had well-defined plans,” Sovalawa noted. He highlighted that the new board, which began its term 18 months ago, was committed to developing both a corporate plan and an SDP to provide clear direction in line with government requirements and to connect with key performance indicators.
“I am pleased to announce that AMA now possesses a corporate plan, a financial manual, a corporate governance manual, and the SDP, with the aim to complete its annual report by December 2024,” Sovalawa stated.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Vatimi Rayalu remarked that the 2024-2026 SDP signifies the continuation of AMA’s efforts to support farmers and bolster the agriculture sector. He explained that the primary objective of the plan is to enhance marketing coordination by significantly boosting local production.
Rayalu stated, “We intend to achieve this through a major shift towards environmentally sustainable agricultural practices while also improving human nutrition.”
He outlined the key objectives of AMA’s SDP, which include increasing sustainable market connections, improving commercial agricultural presence, diversifying agriculture and aquaculture products, identifying and developing potential international markets, and supporting agricultural activities.