A $12 million investment by New Valley Processors (Fiji) Pte Ltd will lead to the establishment of a new export processing facility in Sabeto, Nadi, specifically designed to support over 10,000 smallholder farmers from Sigatoka to Rakiraki—covering a significant portion of Viti Levu’s farmlands. Set to be operational by September, this facility will enhance supply opportunities for farmers already engaged in contract farming with New Valley.
The ground-breaking ceremony recently occurred, officiated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, marking the project’s first phase. New Valley’s CEO, Navi Tuivuniwai, expressed that construction is expected to be completed by August, with the anticipation of beginning exports shortly after. The focus over the next six to twelve months will be on collaborating with cluster farmers to increase planting and bolster supply capacity.
Key crops targeted for processing will include bongo chilies, cowpeas, cassava, and turmeric—high-value crops aimed at both local and export markets. New Valley Processors has developed an aggregation model, supplying seedlings to farming clusters, which positions it as a leading supplier of agricultural products to processors and exporters like Food Processors Fiji and Agro Marketing.
Last year, the farmers supplying New Valley contributed over 15 metric tonnes of bongo chilies, and similar volumes are anticipated this year. Established in 2012, New Valley Processors is dedicated to enhancing the agricultural landscape in Fiji by building a community of skilled farmers and supporting sustainable practices.
This initiative aligns with recent trends in Fiji’s agriculture sector, where investments and facility enhancements, such as those at Food Processors Fiji, are aimed at boosting local production and improving market access. Overall, the optimism surrounding these developments highlights a commitment to agricultural sustainability and economic resilience, signaling a brighter future for Fiji’s farming community.
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