From backyard garden to airline supply for Nadi herb farmer

Memories of gardening with her grandmother and the quiet pause brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic inspired farmer Elizabeth Grace to trade a career in finance for life on the land.

Grace, the founder of Herbivore Farm in Wailoaloa, Nadi, says what began as a small backyard project during the pandemic has grown into a thriving farming business supplying fresh herbs and speciality produce to hotels, restaurants and airlines across Fiji.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Grace says she had originally studied finance and accounting and worked in the agricultural sector from an office role.

However, her work eventually took her out into the field where she began interacting with farmers and seeing the variety of fresh produce being grown.

That experience, she says, reignited a childhood connection to the land.

Insert: Grace - Back to the soil

Grace supplies her produce to resorts around Nadi, as well as businesses in the Yasawa Islands and Savusavu, with some products also reaching airline catering services.

Over the past four years, she has expanded her operations and built a loyal customer base.

Grace says while farming has been rewarding, it also comes with challenges, particularly when dealing with delicate crops that are vulnerable to changing weather conditions.

Her herbs and microgreens require careful attention, and extreme weather can easily damage them.

Because of this, Grace hopes to invest in a greenhouse to protect her crops and allow her to grow more consistently in a controlled environment.

Despite the challenges, she says farming has been an incredibly fulfilling journey.

Grace credits much of her success to the strong support network around her, including her partner, her two daughters, her staff and close friends.

She also acknowledged the guidance provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, which she says has supported women farmers through training workshops and farm visits.

Grace believes more women should consider farming, saying the industry can be both rewarding and empowering.