SIXTY per cent of Fiji’s agricultural produce does not reach the formal market, according to Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica.
Opening the Western Division mini trade show in Nadi last week, Mr Kamikamica said this was not the result of a lack of effort but because systems were not fully aligned.
He said this was a reason platforms such as the trade show with export partners like New Zealand were important.
“We must be bold in our vision to transform trade in Fiji, we must transition from a supply-driven model to one that is responsive to market demand,” Mr Kamikamica said.
“This means planning production based on real-time demand by aligning planting cycles and volumes with market data to reduce waste and improve margins, meeting international standards by ensuring our products comply with the regulations and certifications required in key markets, and coordinating the full supply chain from farm to freight.”
He said markets rewarded consistency.
“Not one-off deliveries, but 10 tonnes of produce every month, quarter after quarter. That is the kind of demand-led, high-performance system we are working toward.”
Mr Kamikamica said farmers, cooperatives and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises were at the heart of this transformation.
“The co-operative model gives us scale and shared infrastructure, while MSMEs provide agility, creativity and market reach.”
