Fijians may unknowingly have valuable coffee resources growing right in their backyards, according to Noleen Billings from Ona Coffee Pte Ltd. Speaking at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit in Labasa, she highlighted that many properties in Fiji harbor wild coffee plants, which are often mistaken for other fruits due to the sweetness of the ripe coffee cherries.
“This discovery is significant as coffee planting is not a new endeavor in Fiji,” Ms. Billings noted. While the country was once known for large-scale coffee farming, various challenges, including market declines similar to those faced by crops like cotton and copper, led to a downturn in production. However, the renewed interest in specialty coffee markets presents an opportunity for revival.
Fiji’s unique climate suits coffee cultivation, particularly with the growing presence of wild Liberica coffee in areas such as Nadarivatu, Wainunu, and Taveuni. As global coffee growers face challenges like rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall—issues affecting countries like Brazil—Ms. Billings asserts that Fiji could emerge as an essential player in the future coffee industry.
Experts have also shown interest in the quality of Liberica coffee found in Fiji. Initial product testing yielded promising results, illustrating that this variety, known for its fruity and unique flavor, can thrive without the need for full deforestation—a benefit for environmental sustainability.
Ona Coffee aims to collaborate closely with local farmers, particularly in mountainous regions where coffee grows well under shaded conditions. Ms. Billings encourages farmers to diversify their crops, suggesting they plant additional agricultural products such as cocoa, turmeric, ginger, and fruit alongside coffee. This strategy allows farmers to generate income from various crops during the coffee harvest’s seasonal gaps.
The company’s partnership with the Fijian government and local farmers is part of a larger initiative to revive the coffee sector and identify further potential farming locations. This renewed focus on coffee farming offers hope for economic improvement, empowering local communities while harnessing Fiji’s natural resources sustainably.
Fiji’s agricultural landscape may very well transform with these initiatives, as they promote self-sustaining practices while enhancing local livelihoods. By tapping into this potential, the country stands to position itself prominently within the specialty coffee market, fostering both community empowerment and economic resilience.
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