FARM TO FORK INITIATIVE SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES

3 December 2024, Suva, Fiji – The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications and supported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) under the Canadian Government-funded initiative, successfully concluded the final workshop under the Farm to Fork (F2F) program today.

This initiative, which has brought together farmers, fisherfolk, chefs, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the country, marks a pivotal step towards aligning Fiji’s agriculture and fisheries sectors with the needs of its thriving tourism industry. Supported by a generous funding of FJ$85,525, the program demonstrates the power of collaboration to foster sustainability and local economic empowerment.

Workshops Across the Nation

Spanning the Northern, Western, and Central Divisions, the workshops were hosted in Savusavu, Sigatoka, and Denarau, culminating in today’s closing session in Suva. Each event provided a platform for stakeholders to address key challenges, including supply chain inconsistencies, seasonal availability of produce, and limited collaboration between farmers, fisherfolk, and the tourism sector.

Key Outcomes and Outputs

1. Strengthened Partnerships: New alliances were forged between farmers, fisherfolk, and tourism operators to institutionalize local sourcing practices.
2. Policy Recommendations: A framework will be developed together with an action plan mapping the way forward for key stakeholders to work together in strengthening and harmonising the linkages between tourism and agriculture sectors.
3. Celebrating Local Identity: The workshops highlighted the unique Fijian-made, grown, and organic brands, showcasing their potential as cornerstones of Fiji’s local tourism offerings.

The Farm to Fork initiative envisions a Fiji where the tourism industry becomes a driving force for local agricultural and fisheries development. By creating a seamless connection between chefs, farmers, and fisherfolk, the initiative promises to reduce dependency on imports, uplift local communities, and promote Fiji’s culinary heritage on the global stage.

The Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Ms Salaseini Daunabuna, made these remarks in closing the 2-day Suva workshop: “This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common purpose. The Farm to Fork program strengthens our identity, supports our communities, and paves the way for a sustainable future. It is a vision of resilience, innovation, and pride in what makes Fiji unique.”

Acknowledging Legacy and Leadership

The initiative pays tribute to the late Chef Lance Seeto, whose pioneering work in connecting chefs with local farmers remains a cornerstone of this movement. His legacy continues to inspire efforts to strengthen Fiji’s agritourism potential.

With the workshops now concluded, the ministry is dedicated to transforming the outcomes into tangible actions.

-ENDS-