The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has allocated over $18 million to more than 5,000 farmers in rural and maritime communities in the last five years. This information was shared by AMA executive chairman Jone Sovalawa during the launch of the AMA’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for 2024-2026.
Sovalawa stated that the AMA encourages farmers through social media platforms to cultivate more highly sought-after commodities. He mentioned that the organization has faced significant challenges since its establishment by the government 20 years ago, including governance and financial discipline issues, often stemming from a lack of documented plans and management concerns.
“For over a decade, there have been no well-defined plans for the AMA. However, the new board, which has been in operation for the past 18 months, is committed to developing crucial planning documents, including a corporate plan and the SDP,” Sovalawa said. This initiative is aimed at providing the AMA with a clear direction as mandated by the government, aligning efforts with key performance indicators.
Sovalawa expressed satisfaction that the AMA now possesses a corporate plan, a financial manual, a corporate governance manual, and the new SDP, with plans to finalize its annual report by December 2024.
Agriculture and Waterways Minister Vatimi Rayalu emphasized that the 2024-2026 SDP signifies the continuation of AMA’s efforts to support farmers and advance the agriculture sector. “The primary goal of this plan is to enhance our marketing coordination efforts by significantly boosting local production,” Rayalu explained.
He added that the plan aims to accomplish this through a major shift towards sustainable agricultural practices and environmentally friendly methods while enhancing human nutrition. Key objectives of the AMA’s SDP include increasing sustainable market linkages, enhancing commercial agricultural presence, diversifying agriculture and aquaculture products, exploring potential international markets, and supporting agricultural initiatives.