The General Manager of British American Tobacco Fiji, Mr. Samuel Dormor,
Management and Staff of British American Tobacco Fiji,
Partner Farmers,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
I am delighted to join you for the third Annual Star Farmer Incentive Awards – recognising the work of over 100 farmers gathered here today.
Today’s Awards ceremony acknowledges your versatility and passion towards developing the primary industry, which forms a major part of our country’s economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
When we took office as your Government, we had a vision to “build a New Fiji” – a new Fiji hinged on a diversified economy, positioning us as the “hub in the Pacific region”, and today, marks just that!
Few weeks ago, I attended the opening of the newly upgraded state of the art Fiji Water Bottling Plant in Yaqara – an investment that reaffirms the Fiji Government’s commitment towards industry development. Our continuous support in the mineral water and agriculture sector is a clear indication of its importance and remains our top priority sector. The allocation of $47.5 million for the crops and livestock research and extension services to strengthen agricultural productivity attests to this.
Today, I want to share the importance of investing in our land, because getting this part right, means we are investing in a new future. Our land resources are our greatest asset and have immense potential in steering our Nation to a more secure tomorrow. A future ideal for the growth of new and emerging industries and above all a future ideal for our children and the generations ahead.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to share that the Government in support of agricultural diversification and expansion, has created a working group called the “Commercial Agriculture Taskforce” – this working group is focused on bringing in investors to the Agriculture sector.
And our Ministry has participated in a workshop on Potential for Kava Exports to the European Union markets. Fiji Kava exports has significantly grown throughout the years from a modest $8.8 million in 2015 to an impressive $40.7 million in 2022 and is earmarked to surpass sugar as the major revenue earner for the agriculture sector.
However, to fully harness the potential of this sector, we must ensure that we have the right mechanism in place ensuring stability.
There could be new opportunities on the horizon for farmers with the Government conducting research on the feasibility of new markets for agriculture product exports to take on.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to acknowledge British American Tobacco’s on-going commitment towards supporting its contracted farmers who are the backbone of the tobacco industry in Fiji. By conducting training and providing farming equipment and supplies, it has set forth a cycle of continuous growth with farmers being equipped with the latest farming practices and technology.
A perfect example of farming practices is the use of organic fertilizer and hydroponics systems which are 100 percent healthy and organic and found to be of high quality. The skills and knowledge attained through these training can be replicated through other crops during the tobacco off season thus ensuring farmers are not financially affected.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today’s event is a day of celebration, in recognition of the hard work of individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in servicing one of the country’s thriving industries. The event sets the precedence of creating a culture of collaboration between stakeholders. The Government encourages the public to take advantage of the grants and assistance offered for their betterment.
With these words I congratulate all farmers once again for your achievement.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.