A new processing and cold storage facility has been launched in Nadi, aimed at supporting rural farmers in Fiji. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the New Valley Processors will provide empowerment and enhanced livelihoods for local farmers who have traditionally struggled with market access.
Rabuka highlighted that farmers in rural areas produce high-quality food and crops, yet often lack the resources needed to connect with appropriate markets due to challenges like poor infrastructure and limited financial services. “In these communities, farmers cultivate crops on terraced slopes and river valleys — and they grow some of the best root crops and vegetables that feed both local and urban markets. Yet for too long, these provinces have remained on the periphery of commercial agriculture due to poor access roads, lack of cold storage, and limited financial services,” he stated.
The establishment of this new facility is expected to revolutionize farming for these remote communities, often overlooked in mainstream agribusiness due to their challenging terrains and logistical constraints. Rabuka described the project as vital and visionary, providing a pathway for these farmers to engage meaningfully in the national economy.
This initiative reflects a larger trend in Fiji’s agricultural sector, where other facilities, such as recent upgrades at Food Processors Fiji Ltd and the opening of Delaivuna Farm Fresh, have similarly focused on supporting local agriculture and improving market accessibility. Such developments not only promote sustainability but also aim to boost economic resilience. By enhancing production capabilities and creating more job opportunities, these efforts underscore a collective commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in rural communities.
The optimism surrounding these initiatives illustrates a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s agricultural landscape, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered farming community.
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