THE Fiji Crop and Livestock Council signed a memorandum of understanding with four regional agricultural organisations last week to strengthen co-operation and development.

The MOU was signed by FCLC chairman Simon Cole and Chargé de Mission for the Regional Technical Cooperation for the New Caledonia Chamber of Agriculture François Japiot.

Mr Cole said with more than 70 years of experience in the agricultural sector, New Caledonia was a model for its Pacific neighbours.

“This concept of farmer associations and commodity associations is not new to Fiji and we’re certainly not the most advanced in this field as it is clear that New Caledonia has a lot to offer its partners,” he said.

“In that spirit of co-operation we have signed an MOU to unite Fiji, French Polynesia, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Wallis & Futuna.

“The whole idea is to share ideas and information, implement regional projects to develop technical and economic exchanges and possibly take on regional issues such as the protection of kava as a Pacific Island crop.”

He added that a visit to New Caledonia was scheduled for June where observations would be made on the operations and structure of its chamber of agriculture.

“FCLC hopes to draw on the type of services the chamber provides, funding mechanisms they have in place, how they interact with government and the private sector and their agricultural insurance schemes.”