Ginger farmers will soon be able to tap into the under-supplied certified organic ginger market and earn premium prices.
This will be made possible under a partnership agreement signed yesterday between Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) and Vinaka Farm in Vakabalea, Navua.
Under the agreement, MDF will support Vinaka Farm with several initiatives, including providing farmers with training on how to farm ginger on a commercial scale and maintaining the documentation required for organic certification.
“This collaboration has come at an ideal time as it will provide us with the support and resources to ensure quality control throughout the organic ginger supply chain,” said Vinaka Farm director Lily Liu.
“By working together, we can increase the volumes of Fijian ginger entering premium markets like Australia and, in turn, boost the economy and improve livelihoods for Fijian farmers.”
In 2022, Vinaka Farm exported 25 tonnes of fresh ginger to Australia after meeting the Ministry of Agriculture and Australian biosecurity requirements and it is anticipated.
Australian High Commission’s First Secretary, Susannah Hodson, expressed Australia’s support for the partnership, emphasising its alignment with Australia’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic development in the Pacific region.
Australia is currently Fiji’s top export destination for whole fresh ginger.
In the first half of 2023, Fiji exported $9.2 million worth of ginger, of which fresh ginger accounted for $350,000. Total ginger exports is projected to reach 200 tonnes this year.
