By Faridat Salifu
The European Union has reaffirmed its support for Fiji’s agriculture sector, pledging $26 million through the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agri-Food Systems project to strengthen sustainable value chains and drive economic growth.
Speaking at the Fiji Agri-Innovate Competition, EU Ambassador Barbara Plinkert said the program targets Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands, supporting activities from production and processing to market access.
She highlighted the initiative’s role in food security, income generation, and export development, noting that agriculture is closely linked to tourism and domestic markets.
“Fiji’s agriculture sector contributes about 14 per cent of GDP and sustains many rural households. It strengthens exports, boosts incomes, supports local markets, and promotes healthier diets,” Plinkert said.
The EU is encouraging small business owners and agripreneurs to participate in the Agri-Innovate Competition, which provides opportunities for commercial growth through investment grants and de-risked loans.
Assistant Minister for Commerce and Business Development, Sachinda Nand, said the competition aligns with Fiji’s MSME Strategic Plan, which aims for micro, small, and medium enterprises to contribute around 40 per cent of GDP by 2030 and have better access to finance, market opportunities, and coordinated support.
The two-day event concludes tomorrow with 12 agribusinesses competing, offering a platform to showcase innovation, learn from established entrepreneurs, and advance the development of sustainable agri-food systems.