The Pacific Agri-Innovate Workshop and Pitching, a two-day event in Fiji, was a great success.
Ten participants from Fiji took part in the two-day event. On the first day, they showcased their products and attended workshops, while on the second day, they competed in the pitching competition.
Presentations were delivered by the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications (MTCMSMEC), the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Fiji Development Bank (FDB), HFC Bank, and Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS).
The winners of the Pacific Agri-Innovate Competition in Fiji are:
- Asaeli’s Enterprise – Asaeli Uluimoala
- Purayil Investment Ltd – Apenisa Maracava
- Million Green Fiji – Shayal Singh
Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Mr. Shaheen Ali said that agricultural innovation was rapidly advancing, with global investments in agri-food technology reaching almost US$30 billion annually.
“For Fiji, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge. We must not only adapt to global trends but tailor them to our own local context.
“As a Small Island Developing State, we face unique challenges from climate vulnerability to limited size and distance from markets but, they also present unique opportunities,” he said.
Mr. Ali said that embracing innovation and technology would enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and create new economic opportunities by leveraging natural talent and resources.
“Fiji’s agricultural sector is at a crossroads. With the right support, we can transition from traditional farming practices to a future commercially vibrant agri-business driven by technology, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.
European Union Delegation Office Representative, Ms. Carmen Esteve LLOVERES said that European Union is proud to fund the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) project.
“This contribution underlines our commitment to enhancing food security and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the region and all over the world.
“The EU has made a very significant investment aimed at improving domestic production and consumption by working towards a resilient and sustainable Agri food transformation,” he said.
Ms. LLOVERES said they believe that the solutions borne from this competition can have a lasting impact, not just locally but also regionally.
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of United Nations, National Project Coordinator for Fiji, Mr. Mosheen Khan said UNFAO is committed in pioneering efforts to establish the first agribusiness incubators in the Pacific region starting with Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands.
“The challenges that we face in agriculture sector of Fiji are many.
“Fortunately, there are established good practices with the potential to support our efforts to overcome these challenges. Agribusiness incubation is one of them,” he said.
Mr. Khan said that agribusiness incubation is a proven strategy to empower youth and women, unlock new ventures, and boost economic growth and job creation.
Business Assistance Fiji (BAF), General Manager, Mr. Ramesh Chand thanked the European Union, MTCMSMEC, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and FAO for their unwavering support towards this project.
“BAF’s network includes a wealth of service providers ready to assist businesses in enhancing their performance. We also offer a variety of training programs to cater to their specific needs,” he said.
Mr. Chand said with MTCMSMEC being the Agri-Incubator in Fiji, we look forward to working closely with them to supporting the agriculture businesses,” he said.
BAF reaffirms its commitment to the STODAS programme and the continued development of agricultural businesses in Fiji.
The Pacific Agri-Innovate Competition 2024 commenced on 23 August 2024 and applications closed on 15 September 2024. The competition was held in Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands.
Ten participants each from Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands were selected and participated in two-week Boot Camp. They were provided with comprehensive training in areas such as business plan development, marketing strategies, financial management, e-commerce, access to finance, production planning, cost control and pitch preparation.
The winners, three each from Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Island, will participate in the 2024 Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Solutions Forum next month where, they will have the opportunity to present their businesses and showcase their products. The winners will also receive their prize money of $1,000 USD each at the forum.
