The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has teamed up with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) to launch the Farm to Fork initiative. This program aims to enhance local agriculture by integrating locally sourced produce into the tourism sector.
At the opening of the 2024 National Agriculture Show held at the Valelevu grounds in Nasinu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka emphasized that Fiji welcomes nearly two million visitors annually and expressed a desire to “reduce the leakage in the economy by providing food locally to tourists.”
He clarified that while Fiji receives close to a million international visitors each year, with Fiji Airways accounting for round-trip travelers, the total approaches two million. He stated, “At times, we must cater to a million visitors in Fiji.”
Mr. Gavoka identified leakage as one of the major challenges in tourism, referring to the outflow of money spent on imported goods necessary for the industry, particularly food. He highlighted the need to decrease this leakage by sourcing food locally for tourists.
He projected a tourist influx that could eventually reach four to five million visitors. He believes that the collaboration between the ministries and the UNFAO will facilitate this goal.
The initiative is designed to directly link farmers with hotels, restaurants, and other tourism operators, ensuring that visitors enjoy the “freshest Fijian cuisine while supporting local agriculture.”
Mr. Gavoka added that by procuring ingredients locally, the Farm to Fork initiative supports the local economy, aligns with global sustainability efforts, and promotes eco-friendly tourism practices that benefit both the environment and the community.
He noted that the initiative also focuses on sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint linked to food imports. “Our farmers are at the forefront of this transformation, equipped with the knowledge and skills to not only survive but thrive amid challenges,” he concluded.