Fiji’s agriculture sector needs to adapt to meet emerging challenges. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, and SMEs Manoa Kamikamica highlighted that despite the long-standing significance of agriculture to the local economy, it continues to face issues such as fluctuations in international market prices and declining product quality driven by climate change.
During the launch of the 2024 Agri-Innovate Business Plan Competition in Suva, Mr. Kamikamica stated, “In Fiji, and across the Pacific region, agriculture is not just an industry; it is a way of life. It forms the backbone of our communities, providing both income and food security.” He emphasized the need for the agricultural industry to evolve in response to a changing world, aiming to build a sustainable and greener economy.
The Agri-Innovate competition aims to support this evolution by offering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in agriculture a platform to showcase innovative ideas in crop cultivation, benefiting not only Fiji but the broader Pacific region.
Joann Young, Assistant Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to Fiji, noted that agriculture plays a crucial role in Fiji’s economy, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and contributing significantly to the national GDP. However, she pointed out that MSMEs in this sector often struggle with limited access to markets, insufficient technical know-how, and lack of financial resources.
Ms. Young emphasized the importance of supporting and nurturing entrepreneurs in agriculture to unlock the sector’s full potential, drive economic growth, and pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future for Fiji. She called on stakeholders including government, development partners, and private sector representatives to harness innovation and entrepreneurship to reshape Fiji’s agricultural landscape. By working together and empowering MSMEs, they can initiate positive changes within the agricultural sector.