The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has joined forces 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 initiative aims to enhance local agriculture by integrating locally sourced produce into the tourism sector.
During the opening of the 2024 National Agriculture Show at the Valelevu grounds in Nasinu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka emphasized that Fiji attracts nearly two million tourists annually and expressed the goal of minimizing economic leakage by sourcing food locally for visitors.
Gavoka mentioned that Fiji’s national airline, Fiji Airways, plays a role in boosting the number of visitors, and addressed the challenge of “leakage” in tourism, particularly regarding food imports. He stated that reducing this leakage is critical in providing local food for tourists and highlighted that the number of visitors to Fiji could rise significantly in the near future.
He affirmed that collaboration with the other ministries and the UNFAO will facilitate connections between farmers and those in the hospitality industry, ensuring tourists enjoy the freshest Fijian cuisine while supporting local agriculture.
The Farm to Fork initiative aims not only to boost the local economy but also to align with global sustainability efforts, promoting eco-friendly tourism practices that benefit both the environment and the community. Gavoka further noted that by sourcing ingredients locally, the initiative helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with imported food, and it empowers local farmers with the skills necessary to thrive in challenging times.