Acting Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, has announced the official launch of Fiji’s 10-year non-sugar agriculture sector policy, designed to enhance food security, resilience, and economic prosperity for all Fijians. This strategic initiative is the result of comprehensive consultations with farmers and agricultural experts, reflecting the aspirations and challenges of the agricultural community.
The newly developed policy revolves around four central pillars: strengthening food security, empowering farmers and rural youth, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in research and innovation. Minister Bainivalu emphasized that the policy intends to increase market opportunities, boost productivity, enhance climate resilience, and improve access to safe and nutritious food.
Bainivalu stated, “This 10-year non-sugar agriculture sector policy was developed through extensive consultations to address key challenges.” She mentioned plans to implement initiatives such as demonstration farms, agribusiness accelerators, and processing hubs to support local farmers prominently during the next decade.
This launch aligns with Fiji’s broader agricultural objectives as discussed in previous forums, where strengthening the resilience of both non-sugar and sugar agricultural sectors is emphasized. For instance, recent efforts have focused on modernizing agricultural techniques, enhancing market access, and fostering cooperation among stakeholders, all of which are crucial for improving the overall agricultural landscape amid environmental challenges.
As the Fiji government continues to prioritize agricultural development, this policy represents a hopeful step towards creating a more vibrant agricultural community. It not only promises diversified economic opportunities but also aims to ensure that food security is accessible and sustainable for future generations. The commitment shared among all stakeholders, as urged by Minister Bainivalu, reflects the collaborative spirit needed to actualize this vision for a resilient agricultural sector in Fiji.
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