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 sourced produce into the tourism sector.
During the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Agriculture Show in Nasinu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka highlighted that Fiji attracts nearly two million visitors annually and expressed a desire to mitigate economic leakage by supplying tourists with locally grown food.
“Fiji receives almost a million visitors each year, and considering our national airline, Fiji Airways, this figure effectively doubles as they account for passengers in both directions,” Mr. Gavoka explained. He noted the challenge posed by the need to cater to a substantial number of visitors.
He pointed out that a major issue in tourism is the leakage of resources, particularly concerning the food supply. “Leakage refers to the money leaving the country for imports rather than being utilized within our local economy. A significant portion of this relates to food,” he stated. Mr. Gavoka emphasized that his focus on agriculture aims to minimize this leakage and promote local food options for tourists.
He anticipates that visitor numbers will grow significantly, predicting they could reach four to five million in the near future. To address this issue, he underscored the importance of collaboration with other ministries and the UNFAO.
This partnership will directly connect farmers with hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators, ensuring that visitors enjoy the freshest Fijian cuisine while simultaneously supporting local agriculture. Mr. Gavoka remarked, “By sourcing ingredients locally, the Farm to Fork initiative not only bolsters the local economy but also aligns with global sustainability objectives and promotes eco-friendly tourism practices that benefit both the environment and the community.”
Furthermore, he noted that the initiative highlights sustainability by minimizing the carbon footprint linked to food imports. “Our farmers are at the forefront of this transformation, possessing the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in challenging times.”