Fiji has achieved a significant breakthrough for its agricultural sector with the recent approval of its fresh turmeric by the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables during a meeting held in Mexico City. The committee endorsed a new international standard for fresh turmeric, a development poised to significantly enhance the country’s export prospects while ensuring consumer safety and promoting fair trade practices.
Representatives from Fiji’s National Codex Committee, Kemueli Seuseu and Penaia Mua, stressed the critical role of Codex certification in elevating the nation’s agricultural products, contributing to food security and fostering economic sustainability. This new standard is anticipated to strengthen Fiji’s foothold in the global turmeric marketplace by improving the quality and consistency of its exports.
In recent years, Fiji’s turmeric industry has exhibited remarkable growth, with exports surging from a modest 75 tonnes in 2013 to an astounding 3,216 tonnes in 2023. Notably, approximately 97% of these exports are directed to the United States, while Fiji is also cultivating partnerships with countries such as China, India, and Kenya to further advance its spice export capabilities.
The government’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative significantly bolsters this success, promoting specific agricultural products that thrive in Fiji’s unique climate and soil conditions. Although much of Fiji’s turmeric is currently sourced from the wild, there is a vast potential for increased cultivation that can enhance farmers’ incomes and drive economic growth.
This positive trend in the turmeric export sector reflects Fiji’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and supports economic resilience while creating valuable opportunities for local farmers. The future of Fiji’s turmeric industry looks promising, with strong growth potential and increased integration into global markets, ultimately benefiting both the agricultural sector and the overall economy of the nation.
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