Fijian ginger farmers are enjoying increased prices for their crop, increased access to finance and access to United Kingdom markets thanks to the UK’s Trade Partnerships Programme.

In a statement, the British High Commission in Suva said through a novel agri-supply chain financing model, small-scale farmers were, for the first time, able to access loans from the Fiji Development Bank ($2 million).

“New investment increased productivity and reliability of supply,” the British High Commission said.

“This has enabled farm gate prices to rise by 60 per cent.

“Increased ginger prices deliver significant social and economic benefits for farmers and their communities.

“In the UK, consumers benefit from access to high quality ginger from Fiji.

“As a final testimony to the quality of Fiji’s exports, Fiji ginger has been awarded a UK Great Taste Award.”