Concerns raised over imported produce impacting the local economy

CEO of the Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association, Fantasha Lockington has expressed concerns about Fiji’s heavy reliance on imported produce, which now accounts for 60 percent of supply and negatively impacts the local economy.

Speaking to fijivillage News during a Farm-to-Fork workshop, Lockington emphasised the need to connect local farmers and fishermen with the tourism sector to reduce imports and support domestic production.

She highlighted that with increasing demand from tourism and domestic consumption, the critical question is how much of this demand can be met locally.

Lockington added that reducing dependency on imports is vital for strengthening the economy and unlocking opportunities in agriculture.

While responding to the concerns being raised, the Ministry for Trade says they will collaborate with the local farmers and produce-specific grants and provide financial assistance for farm mechanisation (tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems) to boost efficiency and production for domestic consumption.

They say they will aim to strengthen local farming, enhance sustainability and align agriculture with the demands of Fiji’s growing tourism sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture also responded and said, they have several policies to help the economy reduce reliance on imported fresh produce.

They say it is important to note that increasing local food production can reduce food imports, improve Fiji’s trade balance, increase food security, and help to share the benefits of a growing tourism sector across Fiji’s population more evenly.

The workshop focused on aligning efforts by the Ministries of Tourism, Agriculture and Fisheries to develop solutions and policies to increase the use of locally sourced food in hotels, ultimately boosting Fiji’s economy.