The Ministry of Agriculture in Fiji is calling on farmers and exporters to uphold high standards in order to remain competitive in international markets, notably in regions such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Japan. Minister Tomasi Tunabuna emphasized that each of these markets has specific requirements regarding quality and safety, stating that adhering to these standards is crucial for maintaining access and preventing expensive re-entry into these markets.
“Although we have established standards that some of our exporters are already meeting, we want to continue maintaining these standards. A rejection from the U.S. market would make it challenging to re-establish our presence in such a competitive environment,” Tunabuna highlighted.
The Minister acknowledged that Fiji is currently facing challenges related to carbon safety and quality. To address these issues, the Ministry is in the process of developing a Carbon Law aimed at establishing clear guidelines for producers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to align local production standards with international benchmarks, which in turn will benefit domestic consumers by enhancing the quality of food available in the country.
Moreover, Assistant Minister for Commerce and Business Development, Sachida Nand, noted that there is ongoing collaboration between the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce to fortify Fiji’s market standards and boost its competitiveness on the global stage. This cooperative effort aims not only to facilitate smoother export processes but also to improve the overall quality of Fiji’s agricultural products, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both producers and consumers.
Leave a comment