The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has joined forces with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) to launch the Farm to Fork initiative. This program aims to enhance local agriculture by integrating locally grown products into the tourism sector.
At the opening of the 2024 National Agriculture Show at Valelevu grounds in Nasinu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka emphasized that Fiji attracts nearly two million visitors annually and expressed a desire to “reduce the leakage in the economy by providing food locally to tourists.”
“In tourism, a major challenge we face is leakage,” Mr. Gavoka noted, referring to the money that exits the country due to the need to import food. He aims to diminish this issue by sourcing food locally for tourists, estimating that visitor numbers could rise significantly in the future.
Gavoka highlighted that collaboration with other ministries and UNFAO is key to addressing this challenge. The partnership will facilitate direct connections between farmers and hospitality sectors such as hotels and restaurants, ensuring that tourists enjoy the freshest Fijian cuisine while bolstering local agriculture.
By sourcing ingredients from local farmers, the Farm to Fork initiative not only supports the local economy but also promotes sustainability and eco-friendly tourism practices. This initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food imports.
“Our farmers play a crucial role in this transformation, gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive despite challenges,” Mr. Gavoka added.