Many Fijian farmers are eager to export their produce overseas, but finding markets and ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality products poses significant challenges, according to Fiji Crop & Livestock Council (FCLC) CEO Jiu Daunivalu.
Daunivalu highlighted that, through ZOOM technology and the FCLC’s two-day Empowering Farmers’ Organisations for Sustainable Agribusiness Development & Corporate Governance Training, held on June 13-14 at Yatu Lau Conference Centre, many questions were answered for the office bearers of the 11 FCLC Farmer Associations in attendance.
“We connected live with Ms. Jessica Goundar of the Fiji Trade Commission, Australia and New Zealand, stationed in her Auckland, N.Z. office, for the first topic on day one, ‘Assessing Trends in Agricultural Production and Market Access – Trade Opportunities’,” said Daunivalu.
“Ms. Goundar addressed farmers’ queries from the floor. She emphasized the importance of establishing and maintaining good relationships with overseas buyers, planning planting schedules in advance to meet agreed-upon quotas and maintain product quality in the long term, and adhering to all regulatory obligations governing commodity exports.”
Daunivalu noted that the 11 Farmer Organisations represented at the training have re-registered, now incorporating the term “Marketing” into their names.
The two-day training provided clear guidelines on the obligations and duties under their respective constitutions and governing laws. Key aspects covered on the second day included good governance, the responsibilities of government bodies, dealing with government entities, and the role of private entities, including farmers’ associations/organisations.
“This follows closely after the recent successful Farmers’ Forum, where we also celebrated FCLC’s 10-year anniversary. After a decade of operations, the advancement of these farmers’ organisations has reached new levels, reflecting the ongoing restructuring and commercialization required by non-sugar sector farmers, successfully driven by FCLC.”
“Equipped with sound business principles, these farmers are now actively engaged in identifying markets both locally and internationally, rather than relying totally on middlemen as in past decades. This progress is indeed a cause for celebration,” said Daunivalu.