Fiji’s agricultural sector is facing a significant challenge as the nation imported a staggering $1.106 billion worth of crops and livestock in 2023, while only managing to export $343.4 million during the same year. This imbalance underscores Fiji’s heavy reliance on imported food, a situation which the Ministry of Agriculture aims to address through the recently unveiled Non-Sugar Agriculture Sector Policy (2025-2035).
The Ministry’s analysis pointed out that the non-sugar agriculture sector currently contributes approximately 7% to the national GDP, with key commodities including yaqona (kava), taro, vegetables, cassava, poultry, bananas, and beef. These seven commodities are pivotal in driving economic growth. However, despite these contributions, Fiji still struggles with food importation, particularly of fresh and chilled produce, which are critical to supporting the flourishing tourism sector.
Between 2021 and 2023, imports surged by 44%, outpacing a mere 14.4% growth in exports. The Agriculture Ministry noted that fresh and chilled produce imports exceeded exports significantly—imports totaled $539.4 million while exports were only $144.7 million in 2023.
The Ministry’s report also highlighted findings from a study conducted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which indicated that addressing several critical challenges—such as inconsistent supply, seasonality, quality issues, and poor food safety standards—could enable Fiji to leverage its tourism sector more effectively to promote local agriculture and reduce reliance on imports.
Past reports indicate that government officials are optimistic about improving this situation. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, has previously noted significant growth in the export of fresh and chilled products, which reached $73.9 million in the first half of 2024—a 16% increase compared to the previous year. As the government focuses on partnerships and initiatives to strengthen the agricultural sector, efforts are being made to create a supportive environment for farmers through necessary resources and training.
This proactive approach that emphasizes sustainability, local sourcing, and community engagement provides a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s agricultural future. By tapping into local agricultural potential and addressing the existing challenges, Fiji could substantially enhance its food security and economic resilience, making it less dependent on imports while promoting a sustainable farming environment.
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