Fiji Water is poised to significantly invest in the agricultural development of Vanua Levu, as announced by the Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, during the 2025 Labasa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit. Kamikamica highlighted the potential for Fiji Water, a major agricultural company in the USA, to bring much-needed expertise to the region, enhancing market access and creating new opportunities for local farmers.
The company plans to establish a nursery focused on the cultivation of limes and mangoes on land it has already acquired. Kamikamica reflected on a past opportunity in 2006 when Fiji Water was turned away, leading them to invest $1.5 billion in Mexico instead. He expressed hope that the company’s current engagement would lead to considerable advancements in commercial agriculture, benefiting not only Vanua Levu but also creating a ripple effect throughout rural communities in both Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.
The initiative is not just about cultivating crops but is intended as a stepping stone for broader economic growth in the region. Kamikamica described Vanua Levu as the next economic frontier for Fiji and emphasized the importance of strategic investments to realize this potential. The company’s engagement aims to elevate commercial agriculture practices and build a robust agricultural supply chain that includes local cooperatives.
Supporting this vision, Tui Labasa Ratu Jone Qomate has called for the establishment of a major port in Vanua Levu to facilitate these developments. Fiji Water’s commitment to diversify the agriculture sector aims to create a more resilient and interconnected local economy, ultimately benefiting smallholder farmers and enhancing food security.
This investment represents a hopeful trajectory for Fiji’s agricultural sector, promoting sustainable practices and offering a brighter future for local economies through collaboration between private enterprises and community initiatives. With planned investments by Fiji Water and other entities, the movement towards a diversified economy focused on agriculture is gaining momentum, promising new job opportunities and improved livelihoods for many Fijians.
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