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Focus on indigenous food

Revitalizing Indigenous Food: A Path to Economic Growth and Safety

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Discussions surrounding the preservation and commercialization of indigenous food took center stage at the 17th Session of the Codex Committee for North America and Southwest Pacific Region (CCNASWP) held in Nadi this week. This important regional meeting, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, gathered over 60 participants from North America and the Southwest Pacific.

Dr. Vincent Lal, the manager of Laboratory Services at the University of the South Pacific’s Institute of Applied Sciences, emphasized the urgent need for strategic measures to successfully integrate indigenous food into formal market systems. He pointed out that both national and international markets hold significant potential for the commercialization of indigenous food products.

Key opportunities identified include the support of value chain development—spanning production, processing, and marketing—enhancing market access, and creating appropriate infrastructure. Dr. Lal also highlighted the importance of capacity building in areas such as food safety and quality standards necessary for trading indigenous products.

Consumer education and policy support were also critical topics of discussion, with Dr. Lal advocating for increased awareness about the nutritional, cultural, and environmental benefits of indigenous foods among consumers.

The session was formally opened by Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, who underscored the significance of legislative support in ensuring food safety, not just for Fiji but for the entire region. He addressed the ongoing challenges faced by the Southwest Pacific, such as resource limitations and the necessity for local-tailored solutions to food safety issues.

Mr. Rayalu further noted that improving food safety frameworks could stimulate economic growth by enhancing trade opportunities, thereby boosting consumer confidence and securing public health.

The collaborative efforts between government, private entities, and civil society were urged as vital for achieving these goals.

This focus on indigenous foods signifies a hopeful stride towards not only preserving cultural heritage but also creating avenues for economic development in the Pacific region. By addressing these pivotal issues, stakeholders are laying the groundwork for a healthier and more sustainable future while promoting the rich biodiversity of indigenous food sources.


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