British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji has implemented new environmental measures at its Leaf Division as part of its ongoing sustainability agenda.
General manager James Goldring said the company recently installed solar panels at its factory to reduce electricity reliance on the national grid.
The move follows a successful transition in 2023 where curing barns were converted from fossil fuel reliance to a process utilising wood waste.
“These are some of the environmental achievements as part of our commitment to BAT Fiji’s sustainability agenda,” he said.
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel, who was present at the announcement, lauded the private-public partnership (PPP) model between the Government and BAT Fiji.
“BAT Fiji continues to operate as a model agricultural business, showcasing the immense potential of our sector when innovation meets commitment,” he said.
“This is what project progress looks like. That is with government, industry, and our people working in partnership.”
The Minister confirmed that for the 2025 to2026 financial year, the partnership would target the delivery of one million vegetable seedlings a 100 per cent increase from the 2023-2024 period.
“Our collaboration also extends to greenhouse nurseries in remote and maritime areas, with four greenhouses being completed in Nadarivatu, Moala, Tutu, and Nagigi, with a fifth to be opened in January in Kavala in Kadavu.”
Mr Immanuel assured farmers that the Ministry of Finance remained ready to support the sector through targeted investments and infrastructure.
