Seedlings have arrived from California, United States for what is expected to become one of Fiji’s biggest commercial fruit orchards, a project by The Wonderful Company (TWC), parent company of FIJI Water.
In a statement, TWC said the arrival of the seeds to Waiqele in Vanua Levu this month is a major milestone in its agricultural development plans for Fiji.
“This pilot will focus on growing Persian limes, Mexican limes, lemons and papayas, marking the beginning of a long-term investment in Fiji’s agricultural sector,” it stated.
The company had revealed mid this year that it had secured lease agreements for 80 acres of land in Vanua Levu for its commercial agriculture project in Fiji.
“Last year, agronomists from TWC visited various parts of Fiji and discovered that Vanua Levu offers the climate, soil and land access to grow high-quality citrus, mangoes and papayas,” it stated.
“Today, those findings are taking root after two years of planning.
“More than 7000 seedlings from California will be nurtured in Waiqele, where a newly built greenhouse propagation facility has been established.
“Over 3500 seedlings have arrived already, and the rest are expected to arrive by December end.
“A greenhouse engineer from China was on-site, to assist with construction of modern infrastructure to ensure the young plants thrive in their crucial early stages.”
TWC has hired a local farm manager from Vanua Levu to oversee day-to-day operations with the National Agriculture Pte Ltd (NAPL) team.
“His role will be pivotal in guiding sustainable growing practices and working together with local communities, and government authorities.”
The Wonderful Company with its ambitious agricultural ventures and decades of experience cultivating citrus, almonds, pistachios and pomegranates on a global scale, is bringing that expertise to Fiji that will build partnerships with local farmers and generate economic activity in Vanua Levu.
“This year, our beekeeping experts conducted hands-on beekeeping workshops, sharing their expertise in bee biology, hive management and pest and disease management to local beekeepers in Nadi and Labasa.
“Similarly, there will be ongoing training, hands-on demonstrations provided to local farmers that aims to support Fiji Government’s wider goals to equip farmers with practical skills and improved techniques needed to enhance the agriculture industry.
“The long-term vision extends far beyond. By reducing Fiji’s dependence on imported fruit, this initiative will help create a new pathway to reduce trade deficit and strengthen local food security.
“For the people of Vanua Levu, the project represents both an immediate boost and a long-term investment.”
The company also expects the project to help local farmers gain potential market opportunities and local communities to benefit from employment and development, while consumers across Fiji will have greater access to fresh and locally grown produce in future.
The Wonderful Company is a privately held $6 billion global company dedicated to harvesting health and happiness around the world, with its portfolio of iconic brands comprising the famous Fiji-extracted and bottled FIJI Water.
