NADI — About 90 farmers were honoured at the British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji’s annual Fiji Star Farmers Awards on March 19, in what Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called a tangible example of how investment, innovation and good farming practices are reshaping Fiji’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the Nadi event, Mr Rabuka said the awards underlined agriculture’s central role in the nation’s development, providing food security, employment and income for many Fijians. “Our vision is to transform the sector into a vibrant engine of a fast-growing, resilient, and modern economy,” he said, adding that partnerships between government and the private sector are crucial to delivering “inclusive and sustainable development outcomes.”
The awards ceremony comes as the Star Farmer initiative — launched by BAT Fiji in 2022 — passes a milestone: more than 600 farmers have now received training in agronomy and modern farming techniques through the programme. Organisers said the training emphasises innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable practices designed to improve crop quality, raise productivity and help farmers adapt to increasing climate pressures.
BAT Fiji general manager James Goldring said the awards are both recognition and reinforcement of the company’s longer-term commitment to Fiji’s rural communities and agricultural growth. “The Star Farmer Programme is about recognising excellence while equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in a changing agricultural landscape,” Mr Goldring said, noting the company is “proud to partner with local farmers and support initiatives that build capacity, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.”
Government and company representatives highlighted that the awards aim not only to celebrate individual achievement but to catalyse wider change across farming communities. Officials pointed to the structured training programmes as enhancing technical capacity, promoting best practices and ultimately improving yields and incomes for participating farmers — key objectives as Fiji confronts market pressures and climatic instability.
This year’s recognition of 90 individuals underscores the programme’s rapid uptake since its inception and signals increasing private-sector involvement in agricultural development. For Rabuka, the ceremony was an illustration of how targeted investment and structured training can complement public efforts to stimulate rural livelihoods: “Partnerships like these demonstrate the important role of the private sector in complementing Government efforts,” he said.
Organisers did not release details on prize categories or the geographic spread of winners at the event. However, BAT Fiji and government officials said the company intends to continue expanding the programme’s reach and support mechanisms to strengthen livelihoods and contribute to Fiji’s broader economic growth.
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