Fiji is making an impactful entry into the global specialty coffee market with the launch of ONA Coffee Fiji in Rakiraki. This initiative aims to drive rural development and promote agricultural innovation, according to Trade Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who highlighted its potential to expand Fiji’s export footprint and bolster local economies.
At the launch event, which included farmers, international partners, officials, and students, Kamikamica emphasized that the venture is more than just a commercial transaction; it represents a long-term investment in local farmers and enhancing their livelihoods. ONA Coffee, founded by renowned World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic, plans to collaborate with 30 farmers in Ra Province, focusing on the cultivation of high-value coffee varieties such as Arabica and Liberica on 500 acres of land.
The initiative includes an ambitious plan to plant one million high-quality coffee seedlings, enhancing local production capacity. ONA Coffee will set up processing facilities in Rakiraki and other regions, ensuring more of the coffee’s value is retained within the community and creating job opportunities that will help build skills among local workers.
This endeavor aligns with Fiji’s broader efforts to diversify its agricultural exports, adding specialty coffee to existing initiatives involving other commodities like ginger, turmeric, and yaqona. The government is implementing new land tenure arrangements, straightforward investment processes, and updated immigration policies to support such agricultural ventures.
Improved digital connectivity will also play a crucial role in empowering farmers, with technologies like Starlink and Google services set to roll out in 2024. This will enable farmers in remote areas to access real-time market information and connect with buyers, further enhancing economic opportunities in the region.
The launch of ONA Coffee is not just seen as a commercial opportunity but as a catalyst for sustainable rural development, reflecting Fiji’s commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape. As these initiatives gain traction, they promise a brighter future for local farmers and the country’s economy, positioning Fiji as a noteworthy player in the global specialty coffee market.
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