FIJI Water’s parent company — The Wonderful Company has made known plans to pursue agriculture development opportunities in Fiji.
This initiative includes plans to cultivate five fruit tree crops — seeded and seedless limes, lemon, papaya and mangoes.
In April, company experts conducted on-the-ground research in Fiji, and a further exploratory trip planned in July when company experts from America will consider honey and beekeeping opportunities, and ways it can bring industry experts here.
Company chairman, president and co-owner Stewart Resnick said they hoped to build a better future for Fiji’s growers and consumers by ensuring secure and sustainable food supplies.
“The opportunity to help create new economic opportunities within Fiji that can empower generations is important to us,” Mr Resnick said in a statement.
He said they would work closely with key Government and private sector stakeholders on various market development initiatives to harness pathways beyond traditional export markets like New Zealand and Australia.
He said they plan to first establish a propagation facility to produce high-quality nursery stock for its own use, and for its grower partners to help eliminate biosecurity risks such as pests and diseases; and serve as a model for commercial nursery operations in Fiji.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the company’s expansion within Fiji will create more economic opportunities.
“Our mutual drive to innovate in the agriculture space fuels our mission to enhance accessibility and promote consumption of locally grown fruits,” Mr Rabuka said in the statement.
He said the company has deployed advanced farming methods and Fiji will leverage shared resources to create a sustainable food system.
The Wonderful Company grows, harvests, bottles, packages, and markets a diverse range of products, including fruits, nuts, flowers, water, wines, and juices. || Fji Water agriculture || Wonderful Company to invest in Fiji’s agriculture
