The 2024 National Agriculture Show kicked off today at the Valelevu Grounds in Nasinu, focusing on empowering farmers through innovation and resilience to help agriculture thrive in the face of 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 theme of the three-day event, “Empowering Farmers, Cultivating Resilience through Innovation and Inclusiveness in Climate Smart Agriculture,” emphasizes the essential contributions farmers make to national development and sustainability.
Gavoka acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, the Na Vanua o Matanikutu I Navisere, and welcomed a diverse audience from various sectors, including government officials, diplomats, civil society representatives, farmers, and students. He stressed that agriculture serves not only as an economic sector but as a crucial way of life that nurtures families and communities while also underlining the challenges brought on by climate change and changing global markets.
He also mentioned several government initiatives designed to boost agricultural productivity, including the Farm to Fork initiative, which links local farmers to the tourism sector by integrating locally sourced produce into the supply chain. This initiative, managed by various ministries in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, promotes Fijian cuisine, supports sustainable tourism, and helps reduce carbon emissions.
Furthermore, Gavoka shared encouraging statistics, revealing a 16% increase in exports of fresh and chilled products in the first half of 2024, accompanied by a 3% decline in imports, which resulted in savings of $17 million for Fiji.
Despite these advancements, he urged continued efforts to provide farmers with essential resources, training, and market access. Gavoka concluded his address with a rallying cry for collaboration: “Together we can build a strong agricultural sector that fights poverty and improves the living standards of all Fijians.”