The 2024 National Agriculture Show kicked off today at the Valelevu Grounds in Nasinu, focusing on empowering farmers through innovation and resilience to ensure agriculture continues to thrive despite challenges.
During the event’s opening, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, highlighted agriculture’s vital role as the foundation of Fijian society. The three-day event, themed “Empowering Farmers, Cultivating Resilience through Innovation and Inclusiveness in Climate Smart Agriculture,” emphasizes the essential position farmers hold in the nation’s development and sustainability.
Gavoka acknowledged the traditional landowners, the Na Vanua o Matanikutu I Navisere, for their leadership and welcomed attendees from diverse sectors, including government officials, diplomats, civil society organizations, farmers, and students. He stressed that agriculture is more than just a sector; it is a way of life that sustains families, communities, and the economy, all while recognizing the challenges posed by climate change and fluctuating global markets.
He outlined various government initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, including the Farm to Fork initiative, which aims to link local farmers with the tourism sector by integrating locally grown produce into the supply chain. This initiative, driven by several ministries and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, not only promotes Fijian cuisine but also supports sustainable tourism and lowers the carbon footprint.
Gavoka shared positive statistics, indicating that exports of fresh and chilled products rose by 16% in the first half of 2024, while imports fell by 3%, resulting in savings of $17 million for Fiji. Despite these advancements, he urged for continued efforts to equip farmers with essential training and access to markets.
In closing, he called for collective action: “Together we can build a robust agricultural sector that fights poverty and improves the standard of living for all Fijians.”