Australian specialty coffee brand ONA Coffee is taking significant steps to develop Fiji’s budding coffee industry by forming sustainable partnerships with local farmers and communities. The company, which registered in Fiji late last year, focuses on the wild coffee varieties that grow naturally in Fiji’s forests, aiming to provide both a distinctive product and socio-economic benefits to rural residents.
Since its establishment, ONA Coffee has collaborated with 31 farmers in the Ra Province, helping them identify and harvest the naturally growing wild coffee on their land. The company is currently sourcing Arabica and Liberica coffee species, with aspirations to cultivate over 500 acres of premium coffee plantations throughout western Fiji.
CEO Maheer Prasad emphasized that their vision centers around empowering local communities through coffee production. Many farmers already have wild coffee growing in their forests, and ONA Coffee aims to assist them in harvesting it effectively to ensure a reliable income stream. This initiative also emphasizes forest conservation, as farmers learn to manage their natural forests rather than clearing land for traditional farming.
“As we cultivate coffee, we’re also promoting forest sustainability,” Prasad noted. The company plans to distribute one million seedlings annually, fostering economic opportunities and enriching local families’ livelihoods.
Innovative partnerships, such as ONA Coffee’s association with EPC Solar to establish a coffee factory powered by renewable energy in Volivoli, Rakiraki, are part of their strategy. This collaboration signifies the merging of sustainable agriculture with renewable energy practices, showcasing Fiji’s potential as a new frontier in the coffee market.
Support from local government and organizations underscores the transformative potential of ONA Coffee’s approach. Investment Fiji CEO Kamal Chetty welcomed this initiative for its promise to create lasting benefits within the local agricultural sector, attracting international attention, and promoting coffee tourism.
ONA Coffee is also keen on hosting events like the Ra Province Specialty Coffee Tour, which will serve to boost awareness of Fiji’s local coffee culture and its scenic beauty, providing new avenues for tourism. Prasad expressed excitement over visitors being able to see coffee plants growing in natural settings, emphasizing the convenience and potential of experiencing specialty coffee right in Fiji.
Collectively, ONA Coffee’s initiatives reflect a hopeful outlook not only for Fiji’s economy but also for environmental sustainability. By empowering farmers and promoting eco-friendly practices, ONA Coffee is paving the way for a stronger, self-sustaining agricultural future in Fiji, demonstrating the remarkable potential that lies within the region’s natural resources.
This article highlights the emerging coffee sector in Fiji as a source of income and environmental stewardship, marking a positive shift towards sustainable agriculture and local community empowerment.
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