One of Fiji’s largest poultry production houses, Crest Chicken, today handed $40,000 to the Department of Agriculture to buy naming rights for the Agriculture Show 2012.
Today a memorandum of understanding was signed between both parties for the annual show which will also be held for the first time at Churchill Park in Lautoka from August 6 – 11, 2012.
In handing over the cheque, Crest Chicken Fiji general Manager Shaun Joils says his company is happy to be associated with the agriculture show as it promotes and creates awareness on making Fiji a self sufficient country.
“Fiji needs to improve its ability to feed itself as many countries will move from food exporters to food importers; because the demand is continuously increasing,” he said.
“This will reduce the availability of food for Fiji from other countries.”
He added that apart from food security, there are obvious economic benefits to a thriving agricultural sector including increased employment, poverty alleviation and improved balance of trade.
Mr Joils lauded initiatives such as the Agricultural show as it forms part of an important strategy to encourage Fiji to become self – sufficient in feeding itself.
Ministry of Agriculture Acting permanent secretary Mr Ropate Ligairi thanked Crest Chicken Fiji and other stakeholders for its contribution towards enhancing Fiji’s agricultural capability and improving the nation’s ability to grow its own food which Government believes is a key strategic initiative for now and the long term.
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