FIJI imports too much of what it consumes, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprise Manoa Kamikamica.
He made the comments during the commissioning of a new Food Processors Fiji facility at Batiri, Macuata earlier this week.
“We import too much of what we consume, and we remain exposed to global shocks in global supply chains, shipping costs and climate change disruption,” Mr Kamikamica said.
He said facilities such as the Batiri operation were important because they allowed locally produced agricultural commodities to be processed and converted into higher-value products within the country.
“Every facility, such as this one, takes local produce and adds value to it here, strengthens our resilience as a result and keeps the economic benefit within our communities.”
The Batiri facility is the first Food Processors Fiji operation on Vanua Levu and will source selected produce from farmers in surrounding communities.
The produce will be processed locally before finished products are supplied to existing and new markets.
He said the investment would strengthen Fiji’s agricultural supply chain while providing farmers with a local commercial market for their produce.
The commissioning follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Processors Fiji Limited, and the Batiri community.
Under the agreement, farmers will provide land and labour, while the company will provide investment and market access. The Government will support the sector through extension services, infrastructure, and policy.
Food Processors Fiji acting chief executive officer Vinal Chand said the commissioning marked a new chapter for the company’s operations in Batiri.
Mr Chand said the facility would focus on operating efficiently and sustainably while supporting increased production and access to markets.
