Seedlings have officially arrived from California as part of a significant agricultural initiative by The Wonderful Company (TWC), the parent company of FIJI Water, which aims to establish one of Fiji’s largest commercial fruit orchards. This month marks a crucial milestone in TWC’s development plans for the agricultural sector in Fiji, with the seedlings landing in Waiqele, Vanua Levu.
According to TWC, this pilot project will center on the cultivation of Persian limes, Mexican limes, lemons, and papayas, signaling the beginning of a substantial long-term investment in Fiji’s agriculture. Earlier this year, TWC disclosed that it had secured lease agreements for 80 acres of land in Vanua Levu specifically for this endeavor.
In its statement, TWC highlighted that agronomists had previously visited various regions of Fiji and identified Vanua Levu as an optimal location due to its favorable climate, soil conditions, and land accessibility for high-quality citrus, mangoes, and papayas. After two years of meticulous planning, the fruits of their labor are finally taking root.
Over 7,000 seedlings from California will be cultivated at the newly established greenhouse propagation facility in Waiqele. So far, more than 3,500 seedlings have arrived, with the remainder expected by the end of December. To ensure the young plants thrive during their critical early stages, a greenhouse engineer from China has been working onsite to aid in constructing modern infrastructure.
TWC has appointed a local farm manager from Vanua Levu to oversee daily operations, collaborating closely with the National Agriculture Pte Ltd (NAPL) team. This role is crucial for promoting sustainable farming practices and fostering partnerships with local communities and government entities.
Leveraging its decades of experience growing citrus, almonds, pistachios, and pomegranates globally, TWC is poised to build beneficial partnerships with local farmers in Vanua Levu, stimulating economic activity in the region. In addition, the company has been actively involved in community engagement through workshops conducted by beekeeping experts, sharing knowledge on bee biology and hive management with local beekeepers in Nadi and Labasa.
Ongoing training sessions and hands-on demonstrations aimed at local farmers will further support the Fiji government’s goals of equipping farmers with essential skills to improve the agricultural industry. This initiative aspires to mitigate Fiji’s reliance on imported fruit, creating pathways to reduce the trade deficit and bolster local food security.
For the residents of Vanua Levu, this project not only represents an immediate financial boost but also serves as a long-term commitment to enhancing local agriculture. The Wonderful Company anticipates that the project will unlock market opportunities for local farmers and provide economic benefits, while consumers across Fiji look forward to increased access to fresh, locally sourced produce in the future.
With a robust portfolio valued at $6 billion, The Wonderful Company is dedicated to promoting health and happiness worldwide, drawing on its experience to contribute positively to Fiji’s agricultural landscape.
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