Fiji’s agricultural sector took center stage during the Harvesting Success: PHAMA Plus Fiji Knowledge Forum held in Suva, where key leaders, development partners, and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss the progress and future potential of the nation’s agricultural exports.
Dr. Andrew Tukana, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, emphasized the indispensable role of agriculture in strengthening Fiji’s economic resilience. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among various parties to enhance growth and sustainability in the sector.
The PHAMA Plus initiative, funded by Australia and New Zealand, has made significant strides over the past four years, benefiting more than 40,000 Fijians involved in kava, spices, root crops, and biosecurity sectors. The forum served as a platform to share valuable lessons about Fiji’s export strategies, the burgeoning kava industry, and the development of inclusive value chains. It also showcased advancements in fresh produce standards through certification programs like Fiji GAP. Participants were presented with regional case studies, including insights from Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry and Vanuatu’s cacao sector, highlighting best practices and opportunities for improvement.
Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts and New Zealand High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow expressed their unwavering support for Fiji’s agribusiness sector. Both emphasized their countries’ dedication to Fiji by announcing plans to initiate discussions about a successor to the PHAMA Plus program early next year, ensuring continued assistance for the sector beyond 2026.
The collaborative efforts and ongoing support from international partners indicate a positive outlook for Fiji’s agriculture, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy. Through shared experiences and knowledge exchange, the forum aims to foster sustainable growth in agricultural exports, benefiting the Fijian community at large.
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