The preferred choice of international export markets are fresh/chilled crops shipped from Fiji and it is imperative that all safeguards were taken to ensure biosecurity compliance and standards are upheld.
This was emphasised by Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Dr. Mahendra Reddy while commissioning Kumar's Exports facility in Bilalevu, Valley Road, Sigatoka today.
Minister Reddy made it abundantly clear that all bilateral quarantine agreements needed to be followed by players along the export value-chain locally so as not to compromise mutually agreed terms, adding that any form of adulteration could prove detrimental to the continued export of any one commodity.
"Fiji has a brand image, we should not mess around with the brand image, the moment we lose it, we lose the special feature of what makes Fijian produce so highly sought after," he said.
He made special mention of the responsibility that lies with exporters of fresh/chilled produce in particular, stating that attempts to make a profit must never be done through unethical practices that could jeopardise established export markets.
"It is important that all of us, from farmers to workers to laborers and exporters take steps to protect our brand image and I ask all exporters to ensure that biosecurity requirements is fulfilled.
"Time and again, there will be that one exporter who chooses to take the easy way and does not meet the requirements of the export market and this has cost us dearly, we've lost export pathways, pathways being suspended for extended periods of time and we cannot afford to lose these export pathways so it is critical that we adhere to all biosecurity requirements - there must not be any adulteration of any sort," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Kumar's Exports Director Mohit Kumar said he was pleased to finally have his export facility officially commissioned as he had already laid out plans to further develop his entrepreneurial venture.
"I plan on increasing my exports to New Zealand because that is what I want to do, to grow my business and be a leading exporter here in Bilalevu," said Mr. Kumar.
Mr. Kumar has also pledged to uphold all relevant requirements regarding the export of his products.