Fijian farmers to benefit from agriculture partnership with Aitken Spence

Thousands of Fijian farmers and rural families are set to benefit from a landmark agriculture initiative launched in partnership between the Fijian Government and Aitken Spence Plantation Ltd, marking a major step towards modernising the nation’s agricultural sector and boosting the rural economy.

While delivering his ministerial statement on the Aitken Spence Plantation Ltd Agriculture Initiative, Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel highlighted that the partnership with this Sri Lankan multinational signals a new era of investment, innovation, and opportunity for the Fijian people.

He says the project places rural communities, farmers, and land at the heart of development, combining international expertise with Fiji’s national vision for inclusive and sustainable growth.

He added that the first phase of the partnership will focus on a palm oil development project in Vanua Levu, aimed at converting uneconomical land into high-yield plantations, which is projected to raise farmers’ average annual income from $2,500 to $13,500, while generating export revenue of up to USD 125 million annually once fully operational.

The Minister says that complementing the northern initiative is a pilot horticulture project in Nadi, introducing high-value crops such as papaya, pineapple, dragon fruit, mangoes, berries, coffee, cinnamon, and passionfruit.

He emphasized that the initiative will develop only idle or degraded land, integrate renewable energy, and uphold strict environmental safeguards.

Opposition Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj welcomed the initiative, saying that Aitken Spence had already proven its worth by turning Fiji Ports Ltd from a loss-making entity into a profitable one.

He acknowledged former Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica for his groundwork on the project, saying that the initiative is a strategic and necessary leap for Fiji’s agriculture sector.

He says there is a need to form farmers’ and landowners’ cooperatives to manage inputs, engage in collective bargaining, and pool produce, which will give smallholders the volume and voice needed to negotiate effectively with corporate partners.

Maharaj says this initiative is more than just a commercial project; it is crucial for Fiji's long-term food security and will serve as a valuable case study for the entire Pacific region.