The 2025 Fiji Agriculture Show has officially commenced in Nadi, underscoring the crucial need to enhance local food production and fortify the relationship between agriculture and the tourism sector. Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized Fiji’s significant potential to reduce its dependency on imported produce, particularly within the tourism industry. He expressed a vision where tourists could savor local meats and produce, highlighting the connection from “soil to plate” as an essential message of the show.
In 2017, hotels and resorts in Fiji spent over $74 million on fresh produce, with more than half being imports, opening a substantial opportunity for Fiji to pivot toward local sourcing. With international tourist numbers expected to increase, there is a growing impetus for integrating local agriculture more deeply into the tourism economy.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, acknowledged the vital role of farmers as the backbone of the nation, urging young people to seize the opportunity to learn from the event. The show serves not only as a platform for showcasing farmers’ ingenuity but also as a learning and networking hub, encouraging agricultural innovation and cooperation.
The event, which spans four days, features competitions, exhibitions, and demonstrations under the theme “Be resilient, Produce Smart, Go Local and Grow Agro-Tourism.” This aligns with Fiji’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector, as outlined in previous shows that highlighted resilience through innovation and climate-smart farming practices.
The 2025 Agriculture Show promises a vibrant forum for fostering collaboration among farmers, students, and stakeholders in the agriculture and tourism industries. By focusing on sustainability and local production, the show seeks to position Fiji as a leader in climate-smart agriculture, contributing to both food security and economic resilience. The emphasis on local produce not only supports the agricultural community but also enhances the appeal and sustainability of Fiji’s tourism offerings.
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