The Fiji Crop & Livestock Council (FCLC) is expecting a big turnout to its two-day Farmers’ Forum this week.
FCLC chief executive officer Jiu Daunivalu said the event would provide an opportunity for international and local stakeholders to explore agro-business opportunities.
“The forum theme, ‘Organising and Strengthening Farmers and Farmers’ Organisations as Entrepreneurs and Partners in Agribusiness’, underscores the importance of positioning farmers as entrepreneurs and collaborators in agri-business endeavours,” Ms Daunivalu said.
“To achieve this, it is necessary to enhance efficiency and modernise the agricultural sector by empowering farmers and strengthening their farmers’ organisations.
“With a membership base encompassing approximately 80,000 individuals across the crop and livestock sector, FCLC serves as a vital conduit for farmer representation and participation in decision-making processes.”
The FCLC-organised forum was made possible through collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, with the support of the European Union, International Fund for Agricultural Development and ACP-funded Farmers’ Organisations for Asia, Caribbean and Pacific (F04ACP), through the Pacific Islands Farmers Organisation Network (PIFON).
The first day program on Wednesday, April 24, will focus on the farmers and their associations and will be held at the Yatu Lau Hotel.
On Thursday, April 25, the farmers’ forum will move to the Grand Pacific Hotel where the focus will be on stakeholder consultation and collaboration.
