A farmer and businessman from Navua, Peni Moi, has quietly but significantly transformed Fiji’s dalo export industry over the past decade. His enterprise, Ben’s Trading Limited, has turned locally grown root crops into a thriving international business boasting $20 million in annual revenue. The company exports dalo, breadfruit, taro, cassava and other root crops to markets in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Tuvalu, and Kiribati, establishing itself as one of Fiji’s premier agricultural exporters.
Moi began his journey in 2006, initially farming Yaqona in Vanua Levu. After a brief hiatus from large-scale agriculture due to personal convictions, encouragement from fellow entrepreneurs spurred him to return to the farming scene. Eager to reboot his agricultural venture, he relocated to Navua where he purchased land and focused on cultivating dalo, eventually becoming Fiji’s largest exporter of this staple.
Ben’s Trading employs over 200 staff engaged in peeling, packing, and preparing crops for export to meet global quality standards. The company sources its produce from farmers across various regions, such as Taveuni, Koro, Kadavu, Naitasiri, Rewa, Bua, and Macuata, creating a robust supply chain that simultaneously benefits rural communities.
Beyond exporting, Moi has diversified his business pursuits to include a shop and a bakery, underscoring his commitment to contributing to the local economy. His entrepreneurial success has also allowed him to invest in personal achievements, such as a newly completed $10 million property.
Moi’s narrative is emblematic of how vision, resilience, and strategic entrepreneurship can empower small-scale farmers to succeed in international markets. He advocates for indigenous Fijians to harness resilience and integrity in their pursuits, emphasizing that with dedication and honesty, remarkable success and growth are attainable.
His story aligns with broader trends in Fiji, where agriculture is increasingly seen as a vital economic sector. Similar to the journeys of other farmers in the region who have adapted to challenges and seized opportunities within agriculture, Moi’s achievements highlight the potential for sustainable growth and prosperity through farming. This reflects a hopeful narrative for Fiji’s agricultural landscape, underscoring the promise of self-reliance and economic empowerment through strategic farming practices.
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