More than 10,000 contracted farmers from Sigatoka to Rakiraki are poised to benefit from expanded export opportunities following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and New Valley Processors (Fiji) Pte Ltd (NVPL).
The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening Fiji’s agricultural value chain by connecting farmers with premium export markets across the Northern Pacific while supporting regional food security through PIDF’s Food and Nutrition Security initiative.
The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3 by promoting food security, increasing agricultural production and improving access to fresh, nutritious produce through reliable supply chains.
Speaking at the signing in Nadi on Wednesday, PIDF chair and Nauru High Commissioner to Fiji, Michael Aroi, highlighted the wider regional benefits of the partnership.
“Fiji has rich and fertile land that can grow vegetables and crops that can be exported to the Northern Pacific such as Nauru where we heavily depend on imported goods,” Mr Aroi said.
“Through this partnership, families in Nauru will be able to consume fresh agricultural produce from Fiji, contributing towards the fight against NCDs and growing a healthier society.”
For Fiji’s farming communities, the agreement represents more than a new export route. It provides access to stable markets, encourages production of higher-value crops and creates opportunities to increase farm incomes through consistent demand.
PIDF secretary general Arpana Pratap said the partnership addresses one of the biggest challenges facing farmers —market access.
“Many of our farmers have so many untapped potentials but may lack market access,” Ms Pratap said.
“This is the area that the PIDF will strengthen and will bridge the gap through this partnership with NVPL, by engaging more with these farmers, visiting their farms, as well as sharing resources to support the programs focused on high value crops that will be processed for export markets.”
She added that the organisation would also focus on developing long-term commercial relationships.
“We will also identify and secure buyers in the Northern Pacific markets and negotiate commercial agreements with importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers so our local farmers are able to make good economic benefits from exporting their produce.
“Beyond economic gains, this partnership contributes to regional food security by ensuring that fresh and nutritious produce is supplied to Pacific Island countries that often depend heavily on imported foods.”
The initiative already coordinates exports from Nadi to the Republic of Nauru and is expected to expand through the Pacific Fresh Airlink project to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.
As the newly established processing and export partner, NVPL purchases produce including bora (yard-long beans), chillies, eggplants, cucumbers, tomatoes, cowpeas and other high-value crops with export potential.
Chief executive officer Navitalai Tuivuniwai said farmer commitment to quality would remain central to the partnership’s success.
“We see the economic benefits the local farmers will gain through this partnership as they export their produce to the Northern Pacific market,” Mr Tuivuniwai said.
“We have always encouraged our farmers to maintain consistency in the quality of their produce to ensure that it meets the export requirements and are of good quality for consumption.
“We have always relied on trust amongst our farmers to produce quality produce and they have been doing well in this area. Through this partnership, we are excited to have PIDF on board in connecting our local farmers to the Northern Pacific market.”
For Fiji, the agreement signals a shift beyond traditional agricultural production towards a more integrated export model — one that links farmers directly to regional demand, strengthens food security across the Pacific, and creates sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities.
